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THE 

PRAGTIGfllt STOCK DOGTOH 



Compiled from the most successful Veterinarians 

in the world, and also containing: 

over 

Two Hundred Tried and Tested Remedies and Receipts 

of many of the most successful 
Farmers and Stock Owners in the United States 
, and Canada. 



Edited by 

DR. GEO. A. WATERMAN, 

Professor of Veterinary Science, 
Michigan State Agricultural College. 



ILLUSTRATED. 

PUBLISHED BY 

F. B. DICKERSON COMPANY^ 

DETROIT. MICH. 



I LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two CoDies Received 

MAH IS 190? 

A Copyright Entry 

jcLass a xxc, no. 

COPY B. 



^^ t^^ 



Copyrighted 1904 

BY 

F. B. DICKERSON COMPANY. 



CONTENTS 



HoasE Department. 

History of the Horse o 

Best Methods of Training ^.'.".'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.*..*,*...*.*.*..!..*.' 14 

Anatomy of the Horse.. ......!..,.!!!!!!!!!]!! 27 

Anatomy of Man and Horse Compared '.'.'.'.'.'.*.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'....'.",'.*.'.' 54 

Proportions of the Horse !!!!...!!!!!* 1:1; 

Water and Watering ....".... cS 

Food and Feeding """' _- 

Antiseptics 64 

Disinfection ......!! 66 

Fomentations ['* 53 

Nursing and Feeding Sick Animals ''..''.' 68 

Forms of Medicine and Ways of Giving ...,, 6q 

How Often to Give Medicines St 

Some Points in Determining Nature of Disease -74 

Pulse ;;;■;;;;; Jt 

Temperature ..........." 74 

Diseases of the Respiratory, or Breathing Organs nr 

Diseases of the Mouth, Teeth, Salivary Glands and Gullet....'.'."!!.' 97 

Diseases of the Stomach and Bowels !!!! iqq 

Diseases of the Liver and Spleen !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! j-^ 

f Diseases of the Urinary Organs !!!!!!!!!!!!! 17,2 

Diseases of the Genital Organs of the Horse !!!!!!!!!!!! 14-7 

Diseases of the Genital Organs of the Mare ..........".! 149 

FoaHng (Parturition) and Attendant Diseases ......'...'! 152 

Diseases and Care of Young Foals !!!!!!!!! 169 

Castration; Diseases and Troubles Following !.!!!!!!!!!!!'! 172 

Rupture (Hernias) and Methods of Treatment !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 182 

Diseases and Injuries of the Ear !.!!!!!!!! 185 

Diseases and Injuries of the Eye .'.*."..'.*..... .! 186 

Contagious Diseases and Fevers of the Horse............... 191 

Diseases of the Skin _'_""' 203 

Diseases of the Brain and Ner\-ous System !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 215 

Diseases of the Lymphatic System !!!!!!!! 230 

Diseases of the Heart, Arteries, and Blood-Vessels !!!!.!! 2xx 

General Diseases of the Blood 240 

Diseases of the Bones !.!!!!!!!!! 248 

Wounds and their Treatment !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 262 

Diseases and Injuries of Head, Neck, Shouiders,*Bodiv! 'and 'nips 266 

Diseases of Front and Hind Legs , f... 281 

Diseases of the Feet ,ot 

How to Break of Vices !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" ^27 

Poisons and their Antidotes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 329 

Miscellaneous Information !!!!!!!!!!!! 176 

Operations ,! 747 

Catti,e Department. 

Anatomy of Cattle ^-g 

Action of Remedies in Cattle .......................!!!!!! ^6^ 

Pulse. Respiration and Temperature !!!!! ^64 

Diseases of the Respiratory Organs ^6s 

Diseases of the Digestive Organs 373 



4 CONTENTS 



Rupture, or Hernia 399 

Diseases of the Heart and Blood Vessels 403 

Diseases of the Liver and Spleen 405 

Diseases of the Urinary Organs 40S 

Calving (Parturition) and Diseases Attendant 414 

Diseases of Young Calves 447 

Diseases of the Generative Organs of the Bull 454 

Diseases of the Eye 459 

Diseases of the Ear 468 

Fractured Bones; Wounds; Sprains of Joints and Tendons 471 

Diseases of the Skin 478 

Diseases of the Feet 4.90 

Diseases of the Nervous System 494 

Contagious Diseases of Cattle 505 

General Diseases of the Blood 528 

Poisons and Their Antidotes 536 

Operations 536 

Sheep Department. 

Diseases and Their Treatment 543 

Diseases of Young Lambs 571 

Swine Department. 

Ways of Giving Medicine 573 

Disinfection and Disinfectants 573 

Hog Cholera and Swine Plague 574 

Common Diseases of Swine 578 

Poultry Department. 

Diseases and Their Treatment 598 

Poultry Houses 610 

Poultry Pointers 624 

Articles of Poultry' Diet 625 

Dog Department. 

Diseases and Their Treatment 627 

Miscellaneous Department. 

Instruments 645 

Apparatus 647 

Medicines — Action and Dose 653 

Prescriptions 670 

Practical Remedies and Recipes From Farmers and Stock Owners. 

Remedies for Horses 675 

Remedies for Cattle 705 

Remedies for Sheep 720 

Remedies for Swine 725 

Remedies for Chickens 733 

Sugar Beet, Fertilizing and Spraying Department. 

Sugar Beet 736 

Fertilizing 745 

Spraying 757 

Dictionary of Technical and Other Terms in Common Use 768 

Addenda 782 

Index • 784 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



Page 

The Thrifty Farmer Frontispiece 

Skeleton of the Horse facing 27 

Superficial Layer of Muscles (colored plate) " 31 

Interior of Chest Showing Heart and Diaphragm " 38 

Anatomy of the Foot (colored plate — 5 cuts) " 46 

Proportions of the Horse 55 

Giving a Drench facing 64 

Sjinptomatic Cuts of Diseases of the Horse following 64 

Pleurisy. Lymphangitis. 

Scrotal Hernia. Open Joint. 

Acute Indigestion. Capped Elbow. 

Pneumonia. Splints. 

Spasmodic Colic. Sprain of the Radial Ligament. 

Spasmodic Colic, Severe. Bog Spavin 

Inflammation of the Bladder, Enlargement of the Fetlocks 

Inflammation of the Kidneys Capped Hock. 

(3 cuts). Anchylosis of the Fetlock Joint. 

Itiflammation of the Bowels. Grease Heel. 

The Way to Poultice Lungs. Acute Farcy. 

Poll 'Evil. Bone Spavin. 

Big Head. Upper Articular Surface, Small Pas- 
Fistulous Withers. tern Bones. 

Dislocation of the Patella. Pastern and Coffin Bones. 

Stifle Joint Lameness. Coffin Bones 

Fracture of the Femur. Sole of Coffin and Navicular Bones. 
Nasal Gleet. 

Position of the Left Lung facing 75 

Digestive Apparatus (colored plate) " 109 

Bots (4 cuts) " 113 

Intestinal Worms (5 cuts) " 129 

The Nervous System " 215 

Circulatory Apparatus (colored plate) " 233 

Ring Bone (colored plate — 2 cuts) " 256 

Bone Spavin (4 cuts) " 259 

Sling in Use " 282 

Anatomy of the foot (colored plate — 4 cuts) " 303 

Teeth at Eight Days 342 

Teeth at Two to Three Months 342 

Teeth at Eight to Ten Months 342 

Teeth at One Year 342 

Teeth at Two Years 343 

Teeth at Two and One-Half to Three Years 343 

Teeth at Three and One-Half to Four Years 343 

Teeth at Four and One-Half to Five Years 343 

Teeth at Five Years 344 

Teeth at Six Years 344 

Teeth at Seven Years .. 344 

Teeth at Eight Years 344 

The Side-Line facing 350 

Casting, or Throwing " 350 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



Page 

Peace and Plenty facing 358 

Skeleton of the Cow " 363 

Position of the Rumen " 382 

Correct Position of the Calf in the Utero " 414 

Giving the Cow Medicine " 478 

Lump-Jaw, Actinomycosis of the Jaw " 524 

Lump-Jaw, Skull Showing Bony Enlargements " 524 

Giving the Sheep Medicine " 543 

Poultry Yard " 598 

A Lean-lo Poultry House 610 

Simple Form of Poultry House., 611 

Ground Plan of same 611 

Poultry House with Scratching Shed 611 

Ground Plan of same 611 

Construction of Roosts 612 

Sectional View of Platform and Nests 612 

Sectional View of Concealed, or Darkened, Nest 613 

Concealed, or Darkened, Nest 613 

Scratching Room Under Poultry House 614 

Double Poultry House with Scratching Sheds 615 

Ground Plan of same 615 

Common A-shaped Coop with Sliding Slat 616 

Chicken Coop with Enclosed Run 616 

Chicken Coop with Hawk-proof and Cat-proof Run 617 

Coop with Glass-covered Run 617 

Two forms of Feed Troughs 618 

A Drinking Fountain made of a Can 618 

Colony House 619 

Colony House 620 

Colony House with Scratching Shed 620 

End Plan of Ten Dollar Poultry House 622 

Front Plan of Ten Dollar Poultry House 622 

A Ten Dollar Poultry House, Complete 623 

The Children's Friend — A Good Dog facing 627 

Clinical Thermometer 649 

Hypodermic Syringe and Aspirator 649 

Graduate 649 

Repeller 649 

Needles 650 

Seton Needle 650 

Parturition Hook 650 

Pig Forceps 650 

Artery Forceps 650 

Milking Tube 650 

Teat Slitter, or Bistour>\ 650 

Tracheotomy Tube, Self-Retaining 651 

Trachea Tube, Oval 651 

Trocar and Canula, Horse 651 

Hobbles, Throwing or Casting 652 

Emasculator 652 

Ecraseur 652 

Various Types of Spavin (3 cuts) facing 671 

Splint (colored plate — 4 cuts) " 675 

Bone Spavin, Hocks with Skin Removed (colored plate — 3 cuts)... " 698 

Position of the Lung " 705 

Apparatus used in Sterilized Air Treatment for Milk Fever " 782 



INTRODUCTION 



IN editing this work, it has not been with the intention of 
giving the stockman something that will take the place of 
the veterinarian; no book can do that; no amount of reading can 
take the place of his experience. The object has been to give 
those who wish to better acquaint themselves with the diseases 
of animals, an opportunity to do so; and especially is it for the 
stockman who is not within reach of a qualified veterinarian. 
There are many such, even in the richest, most thrifty parts of 
our country, and there are others so far from a veterinarian, that 
it would require many hours of valuable time to get him. 

It has been the endeavor throughout the text, to use such 
expressions as can be understood by those who have not had a 
scientific training. A plain description of the anatomy of 
animals has been given for the benefit of those who may desire 
to better understand their structure, and points have been col- 
lected with reference to the training of the horse, which may 
prove of benefit to the inexperienced along that line. 

Nothing new is claimed for the work, unless it be that an 
effort has been made to make the treatment of the diseases dis- 
cussed a strong feature, by telling in a simple, plain way, just 
what to do, and how to do it; what medicines to use, how to use 
them, and how often to repeat them. So often, when asked by 
the farmer to recommend to him a book treating of the diseases 
of animals, have I felt that the works intended for him do not 
give the treatment of the diseases in such a way, that he may 
know what drug or drugs to use and how often to use them, that 
in this work I have tried to make the treatment especially plain. 

While the work is in part a compilation, as editor I have 
woven into it, especially with reference to the treatments, the 
lectures as I have given them to our college students. 

7 



8 INTRODUCTION 



The diseases of the different animals have been treated under 
different departments, and while such an arrangement has caused 
some repeating, it has been so arranged, because it will be easier to 
follow the instructions. While nearly all the diseases of animals 
have been touched upon, especial attention has been given to the 
more common ones. 

In giving this work to the public, I trust that it may prove 
a benefit to those into whose hands it may fall. 



GEO. A WATERMAN. 



AGRICUX.TURAI, College, Michigan, 
June I, 1904. 



HISTORY OF THE HORSE 



FROM earliest ages the horse has been the friend and compan- 
ion of man. Prized for his beauty, loved for his docility, and 
valued for his strength, he has ever been regarded as the highest 
in value and importance of all domesticated animals. In the re- 
motest ages, as far back as authentic history discloses anything 
of the life and pursuits of man, we find that the horse occupied a 
prominent position in his service. Painters have pictured on their 
canvas the majesty and grace of the spirited animal. Poets have 
celebrated his strength and beauty in their verses, and the inspired 
writers have introduced amongst their most glowing descriptions 
the horsemen and chariots which formed a chief feature in the 
pomp and magnificence of those early days. 

In the most ancient hieroglyphics we find him present, and 
always so represented as to show that, even in the remote antiquity 
from which they date, he has been brought into complete and 
serviceable subjection. In the oldest Egyptian paintings the horse 
is seen only in the war chariot, and in the descriptions of the 
siege of Troy only the charioteer appears, from which it has been 
supposed that the first horses used by the Greeks were too small 
to be conveniently ridden. But in the painting in the palace of 
Nimrod at Nineveh, disinterred by Layard and supposed to be 
more than three thousand years old, horsemen are exhibited both 
in the chase and in war. 

But farther back than even those distant times, in the ages 
where authentic histor)- merges into the shadowy light, amidst 
which myth and fable mingle with the real, we find this noble 
animal figuring, but then exalted into a serai-human sphere. The 
Centaurs, who inhabited the passes of Mount Pelion and Ossa 
and the great plains of Thessaly in Upper Greece, were probably 
a race resembling in many respects the Tartars of this age, and 
are supposed to be the first who brought the horse into subjection 

9 



lo THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

to man. They were fabled as being half horse and half man. 
They are represented as perfect horses in all respects below and 
behind the withers and the chest; there, at the intersection of the 
neck, began a human body, the hip joints articulating into the 
shoulders of the lower animal and the abdomen of the man pass- 
ing gradually into the chest of the horse. Above this the human 
form was perfect, with the erect bearing, chest, shoulders, arms, 
neck and head of a complete man. They were reputed to be pos- 
sessed of extraordinary mental as well as physical powers, and to 
be as superior to ordinary men in wisdom and art as they were in 
fleetness and strength. They were evidently a tribe of horsemen 
whom the ignorance and superstition of that early age elevated 
into a superior race, in the supposition that the horse and man 
were united in one. Everything points to them as being the first 
who succeeded in breaking and using the horse. 

Coming down to the time of authentic history, we find the 
Parthians to have been among the most renowned for their skill 
in training and using the horse. Their feats of horsemanship in 
battle showed a complete mastery of the animal, which in their 
battle with the Romans rendered them so efiicient as mounted 
archers. 

Frequently in ancient paintings the mounted steed is repre- 
sented without a bridle, and the Numidian cavalry are said to 
have guided and restrained their horses without it, an assertion 
by no means improbable, as a Comanche Indian of the present 
day will frequently jump on the back of a wild and untrained 
horse, and guide him by the simple expedient of covering with 
his hand the eye of the animal on the opposite side to that in 
which he wishes to direct him. 

In sacred history the first mention of the horse is in the time 
of Joseph, when in Egypt, at which period the horse had been 
broken and subjected to the harness, thus corroborating the 
already' mentioned records of the monuments. Thus we find 
that as civilization advances, and historic records multiply, that 
the use of the horse becomes more universal. Where the original 
country of the horse was matters little, except as an interesting 
fact, whether in Asia or on the soil of Africa, to which his near 
relations, the Zebra and the Quagga are certainly indigenous. 



HISTORY OF THE HORSE 



In modern times the horse has been so closely associated 
with man that he appears in every phase of society, and it is only 
when his numerous uses are considered that we realize how 
greatly the human family is his debtor. The knight of the days 
of chivalry would have been impossible but for the trusty steed 
which bore him so gallantly in the lists of the tourney and amid 
the deadlier strife of battle. Before the plow and at the harrow 
he has multiplied the productions of the earth a hundredfold 
beyond what human strength alone could have secured. Labor- 
ing before the loaded wagon, he has been the steady drudge of 
man. Harnessed to the elegant equipage or the humbler "cab," 
or bearing along the dusty highway the stage coach, he has per- 
formed a thousand offices indispensable to human comfort and 
advancement. It is not too much to claim for him that civiliza- 
tion itself would have been shorn of something of its fair propor- 
tions but for the valuable services rendered by this noble animal. 

Yet, with all his acknowledged value, the horse has been too 
frequently the victim of neglect and cruelty; often ill- fed, poorly 
sheltered and harshly treated, until in many cases the innate 
nobleness of his nature has been obscured by vicious habits, 
contracted by the mismanagement and abuse to which he has 
been subjected and perpetuated by ignorance and prejudice. 
Naturally the horse is gentle and confiding; he is quick to per- 
ceive, and possesses an excellent memory, which qualities render 
him capable of being educated easily, and to an extent far greater 
than is generally supposed. Added to this he is capable of deep 
and lasting attachment. 

What the horse may have been in his native state is not 
known, as none at present exist in that condition. The horses 
which at the present day are found in a wild state in Asia and 
America are known to be descendants of individuals formerly 
domesticated. They are generally smaller, yet stronger than the 
domesticated animal, with rougher coats, stronger limbs and 
larger heads. Even when adult, the wild horse is easily domesti- 
cated, and may be broken to any use without great difficulty, 
thus proving the natural gentleness and docility of his nature. 
They are captured by the lasso, bitted, mounted, and broken 
within an hour by the daring and skillful Gauchos. 



12 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

The Arabians, long renowned for their attachment to the 
horse, early showed the extent to which intelligent training could 
develop his finer qualities, and render him the most docile and 
obedient of animals. Something in that country or its climate is 
especially suited to the development of the horse, and although 
introduced there long after his domestication in other eastern 
countries, he rapidly attained a degree of excellence which sur- 
passed all others, until the horses of Arabia and the adjacent 
portions of Asia and Africa became the most celebrated for speed, 
courage, intelligence, and docility of any of the equine race. 
Small in size, he has a beautiful, lean, bony head, with a very 
broad forehead, a tapering muzzle, and large well-opened nostrils; 
his mane is long, thin, and silky. The Arabian has entered into 
the early history of the best stock of England and America. 
Although much of the superiority of these horses is attributable 
to peculiarly favorable conditions of the country where they 
originated, yet many of their excellent qualities may be traced 
to kindness and intelligent training by which those qualities were 
first developed, and through which they have been transmitted 
until they have become characteristics of the race. 

The Arabian understands the value of his horse, appreciates 
the nobility of his nature, and treats him accordingly. They kiss 
and caress him, adorn him with jewels and amulets formed out 
of sentences of the Koran, as a preventive against evil and acci- 
dents. "In short," says a modern author, "they treat them 
almost like rational beings, which are ready to sacrifice their lives 
for their master's benefit." In the desert he is the familiar com- 
rade, tentmate and playmate of his master, as docile and intelli- 
gent as a dog. The Rev. V. Monroe relates an anecdote of an 
Arab, "the net value of whose dress and accoutrements might be 
calculated at something under seventeen pence half-penny," who 
refused all offers made to purchase a beautiful mare on which he 
rode, declaring that he loved the animal better than his own life. 
The French author, Dr. St. Pierre, quotes a remarkable instance 
of the attachment an Arabian feels for his horse: "The whole 
stock of a poor Arabian of the Desert consisted of a most beauti- 
ful mare. The French Consul at Said offered to purchase her 
with the intention of sending her to his master, I,ouis XIV. The 



HISTORY OF THE HORSE 13 

Arab, pressed by want, hesitated for a long time, but at length 
consented on condition of receiving a very considerable sum, 
which he named. The Consul, not daring without instructions to 
give so high a price, wrote to Versailles for permission to close 
the bargain on the terms stipulated. Louis XIV gave orders to 
pay the money. The Consul immediately sent notice to the Arab, 
who soon made his appearance mounted on his magnificent animal, 
and the gold he had demanded was paid down to him. The Arab, 
covered with a miserable rag, dismounted and looked at the 
money, then turning his eyes to the mare he thus accosted her: 
"To whom am I going to yield thee up— to Europeans, who will 
tie thee close, who will beat thee, who will render thee miserable. 
Return with me my beauty, my darling, my jewel, and rejoice 
the hearts of my children." "As he pronounced these words he 
sprang upon her back and scampered off toward the desert." 

It is not surprising that such a high appreciation of, and 
fondness for, this noble animal, united to an intelligent training, 
has resulted in the production of a race of horses unrivalled in 
excellence. But among Europeans and Americans the treatment 
of the horse has been usually so harsh, and the mode of training 
so deficient in intelligence as to greatly lessen his value, even 
where a brutal ignorance has not brought into activity every vice 
latent in his nature. Of the numerous faults ascribed to the 
horse, a very small portion are chargeable to his natural disposi- 
tion, the remainder being the direct result of vicious training, or 
rather the absence of training and the substitution of something 
which, under that name, first produces and then fosters the faults 
for which the animal is punished; while often the punishment is 
ineffectual, because the animal has no conception of why it is 
made to suffer. 



THE HORSE 



BEST iWETHODS OF TRAINING 



LIKE many an old system that has in the main outlived its use- 
fulness, brute force as applied to horse training is passing 
out, and in its place the gentler method of teaching the animal, 
that while the master must be promptly and implicitly obeyed, 
he is at the same time a truly indulgent master requiring nothing 
that is not necessary to be done, and, the task being once done, 
reward in kindness, care, and rest follow. It is not to be under- 
stood of course that the whip, and spur, and the "terrible voice" 
have passed the bounds of the memory of man; for there are still 
too many men of brutal instincts who are only too willing to 
exercise them on subject creatures, but their number is 
decreasing rather than the reverse. Not only this, but a horse 
trained by the more gradual and gentler methods is always 
the more safe and reliable animal in every spot and place. 

THE FIRST LESSONS.— The first lessons should be 
given at a very early age. Some who should know say as early 
as at five days old. The common practice has been to let the 
colt remain unbroken until a certain age is reached. This is a 
dangerous method to follow, both for the colt and for the trainer, 
for the colt is likely by this time to have acquired habits of 
which it will be hard to break him on account of his great 
strength. If the little colt is trained at the proper time, and the 
training patiently carried on until he is a horse, he will scarcely 
know what "breaking" means. Take the colt in hand at an 
early age and train him by degrees. The common mistake is 
trying too teach him too much at a time. Be gentle and kind to 
him, allowing him to examine you carefully. Whatever he 
understands to be harmless he does not fear. In moving up to 
him, should he show fear, be gentle, and move carefully, and he 

14 



TRAINING THE HORSE 



will soon comprehend that you are harmless, if allowed the 
privilege of examining and understanding you in his own way — 
with his nose. Don't use the whip at this early age, for if you 
strike him he will be afraid; his strength can be easily overcome, 
and he can be taught his first lessons without the whip. Never 
let him know what fear is, yet you must control him; there 
should never be a time when the colt does not recognize the 
mastery of his keeper and the necessity of obedience. Handle 
him every day until he is perfectly gentle and knows no fear. 
It is at this early age that many of the vices are formed, if 
allowed to go without proper early training. The old adage of 
" as the twig is bent, so the tree is inclined " is just as applicable 
to the colt as to the son of his master. Be sure that the colt 
has learned the first lesson thoroughly before attempting to teach 
him another. 

HALTER BREAKING.— One of the first lessons for the 
colt is the use of the halter. This should be taught him when he 
is a suckling. A strong, well-fitting halter should be placed on 
him, and he should be tied short near to his mother and in 
such a position that he cannot pull back too far and throw and 
choke himself. A colt should always be tied strongly so there 
will be no danger of breaking loose, for if he breaks loose once, 
he is likely to try to repeat the act. After the colt is well halter- 
broken, so that he can be tied and led, it is a good plan to let it 
go with the mother at times when he will not be too much 
bother, but do not keep him with her all the time; tying his halter 
to her hame or collar; in this way he gets used to walking and 
trotting beside another horse. 

If the work of halter breaking has been left until weaning 
time, or when the colt is to be stabled, the lesson will not be so 
easy. In this case the colt must be first driven into a confined 
space, where he cannot escape. Take the halter in both hands, 
and keep holding it to the colt until he will touch it with his 
nose. Do not hurry. The important thing now is to show the 
colt that there is nothing dangerous about the halter. When he 
ceases to be fearful, place the halter on his head quickly and 
fasten it. If he shows no serious fear tie him up at once. Should 



1 6 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

he seem frightened, allow him to wear the halter for a time until 
accustomed to it. When you tie him, do so securely and see that 
halter and strap or rope is so strong that there will be no chance 
of his breaking it, for in all probability he will sooner or later put 
it to the test. If he cannot break loose, there will be no bad 
habit to break off at a later time. When he stops pulling he is 
halter-wise, so far as standing quietly is concerned, and he will 
cease from pulling on the halter simply to free himself. Stay 
near him until he gives up, so in case he gets into trouble you 
may help him out. 

LEARNING TO LEAD.— The next lesson for the colt is 
to learn to be led. Take the colt to some place, where, if it 
throws itself, it will not get hurt. The best time to learn to lead 
is within two or three weeks after birth. Have the lead strap 
lo to twelve feet long. Let the colt plaj^ around in a circle if it 
chooses for a time. Approach him gently, take the lead strap 
four or five feet from the halter and stand facing the colt; com- 
mence to pull gently, at the same time telling him to come to 
you; if he starts to rear, ease up a little. After rearing once or 
twice he will come to you, then pet him; step back and repeat 
the process; in a short time the lesson is learned and he leads 
anywhere. The next day he may have partially forgotten, but 
it soon comes to him again, and in three or four days he leads 
like an old horse. 

TO MAKE A COLT COME TO YOU.— Have a long, 
flexible whip. Place yourself just so far ahead of the colt that 
you can easily touch him on the flank, and then bid him "come 
here," at the same time pulling on the halter. If he does not 
come, touch him on the flank or on the forelegs lightly, and so 
continue until he obeys. If he pulls back, check him, and con- 
tinue touching him until he comes to you. Then pet him, give 
him a small bit of sugar, a piece of apple, or something that he is 
fond of. Continue in this way until he comes readily at the 
word. 

HOW TO PROCEED WITH THE BRIDLE.— To 

accustom the colt to the use of the bit is one of the lessons to be 



TRAINING THE HORSK 17 

early learned. A bitting bridle should be put on for an hour or 
more a day until he is familiar with it. An "open bridle" should 
always be used at first in order that the colt may see and familiar- 
ize himself with all that is going on about him. There should 
be no lines or reins attached. Later this style of bridle may be 
changed to one with "blinders," then gradually the use of lines 
may be taught him. 

LESSONS IN SOUND SIGNALS.— Thus far the en- 
deavor has been to accustom the colt to prompt obedience to 
command expressed by voice and signal. The voice must be the 
chief reliance. The signal by sound should always precede the 
signal by signs, or the check by strap or rein, and should always 
precede the tap of the whip, when the whip is necessary. The 
same word should be used to induce the performance of a certain 
act, as: Whoa! back! go on! come here! When this has been 
done and the colt taught to stand at rest, to lead quietly or to 
circle about the teacher at the end of the rein, he should next be 
taught to follow the master about the yard without leading, first 
with the halter strap in hand, the tutor backing as the colt fol- 
lows, and afterwards with the strap around the neck of the colt. 

The first lesson in backing may be given by taking the colt 
by the head, standing in front of him and using the word "back," 
at the same time pushing in the proper direction, and tapping 
him on the breast if necessary. After a time the colt will back 
promptly and continuously at the word. This lesson and all 
others of flexions must be taught with the bridle and bit, since 
to back easily and properly the head must be raised. 

TEACHING THE COLT TO DRIVE BEFORE 
BEING HARNESSED.— In breaking colts a large, smooth bit 
is to be preferred. There are on the market some slightly 
flexible, leather-covered bits that are very good. A straight or a 
single joint bit is to be preferred. After the colt is thoroughly 
acquainted with the bitting rig, a saddle, back strap and crupper 
of a single harness should be carefully put on and be kept on for 
an hour or two a day, until he is well accustomed to it. When 
this is done a bridle can be put on, the lines passed through the 
loops for the shafts, and the colt driven. By passing the lines^ 



i8 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

through the loops, the colt can be prevented from whirling 
around and getting tangled up in the lines. It is usually a good 
plan to have an attendant lead the colt until he understands what 
is wanted of him. Make haste slowly and remember that while 
of necessity the instructions herein given must of necessity follow 
in close order, that the instructions to the colt should be extended 
gradually over his entire colthood. Teach him to move his body 
in the direction his head is turned. Drive him to the right in a 
circle for a time, then to the left until he readily answers the 
prompting of the reins. 

HARNESSING AND DRIVING.— At about two years 
is the best time to put the colt to light work. He has better 
teeth than at three years, and has arrived at the period when 
careful driving will assist to spread and develop the frame. The 
great danger here is giving too much work, and unless this be 
guarded against, he best not be trained. 

After the colt has been taught to drive single, the breeching 
and traces should be attached and arranged so there will be no 
flapping and the colt hitched up with a reliable but quick acting 
horse. It is a mistake to put a colt with a slow, lazy horse, for 
his actions only irritate and confuse the colt. After being driven 
double awhile, hitch the pair to a substantial vehicle. When 
hitching up a colt for the first time in this way, it is a good plan 
to put a pair of single lines on the colt's bridle, which may be 
handled by an assistant. In hitching up double, a good, heavy 
wagon is preferable, and especially one with a brake. Place the 
colt on the "off" side, as he is more easily managed there, and 
can be touched up with the whip better. If the colt rears and 
plunges, keep the steady horse in motion and talk to the colt. 
If he shows too much temper, a few good cuts with the whip 
will bring him to terms, but in punishing strike but once, 
repeating if necessary. This discipline, administered with care, 
and driving to make them waywise, is all the diflSculty one need 
ever have with colts. 

Some horse trainers prefer breaking a colt in shafts before 
hitching him up double. A cart for breaking colts single should 
be substantial, with long, heavy thills, and the seat arranged 



TRAINING THE HORSE 19 

behind so the driver can get off and on quickly. The colt should 
be hitched far enough ahead in the cart so that he cannot kick 
to do any damage. A strap — commonly called a "kick strap" — 
attached to each shaft and passed over the colt's croup should 
always be used until the colt is well accustomed to the thills. 

When a colt is first hitched up in a two- wheeled cart, an 
attendant should hold him until the driver is ready, then he 
should be allowed to go. As soon as he becomes familiar with 
the cart, he should be compelled to stand until he is told to start. 

Teaching a colt to back is usually best done by placing him 
in with a horse that will back well, the wagon being placed part 
way up a slight incline so it will run back easily, and after a time 
backed on level ground. An assistant takes the lines and tells 
the colt to back, while the trainer takes hold of the colt's bit on 
either side and assists in forcing him backward. If he refuses to 
go, a slight cut across his front legs, or tapping the legs with the 
toe will cause him to step back. Time and patience are often 
required to make a colt back well. He must always be compelled 
to respond to a traction of the bit, even if a cut with the whip be 
necessary. He should not be allowed to twist head and neck 
around without moving the body. In teaching him to draw, he 
should be hitched with another horse of his own temperament and 
agility. At first, loads must be light, increasing as he becomes 
accustomed to his work. A young horse not accustomed to pull- 
ing should never be hitched to a load if there is any doubt of his 
ability to move the same readily. 

HOW TO SADDLE-BREAK THE COLT.— Prepare 

the saddle by tying each stirrup strap in a knot to make them 
short, preventing them from flying about and hitting the colt. 
Then double up the skirts and take the saddle in your right arm 
so as not to frighten him with it when you approach. When you 
get to him, rub him gently a few times with your hand, then 
raise the saddle very slowly until he can see it and smell and feel 
it with his nose. Now let the skirts loose and rub them very 
gently against his neck, the way the hair lies letting him hear 
the rattle of the skirts and feel them against him, each time a 
little farther backward, and finally slip it over on his back. 



THK PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



Shake it a little with your hand, and in a little time you can 
rattle it about over his back as you please, pull it off and throw 
it on again without his paying much attention to it. As soon as 
you have accustomed him to the saddle, fasten the girth. Be 
careful about this. It often frightens a colt to feel the girth 
tighten around him. Bring it up very gently, and do not draw 
it too tight at first — only just enough to hold the saddle on. 
Move him a little and then tighten as you will, and he will not 
mind it. You should then lead him about the stable a few times; 
then remove the saddle and replace it. See that there are no 
loose straps about the saddle to flap about and scare him. After 
he becomes thoroughly accustomed to the saddle, and is not afraid 
to see you anywhere about him, and will follow you anywhere 
you wish to go with the saddle on him, you may, if he is old 
enough to bear your weight, proceed to mount. 

HOW TO MOUNT THE COLT.— You should go all 
around him, move the saddle skirts and see that they do not frighten 
him. Place a block by the side of the colt and get on the block. 
If he seems frightened at your appearing higher than usual, 
repeat the lesson until the fear is all removed. Go slow. Lean 
on the saddle, put your foot in the stirrup, and allow him to bear 
your weight. Allow your knees to rest against him and your toe 
to touch him under the shoulder. Repeat this several times, 
or until the animal is accustomed to it. You may now raise your 
leg over his croup and he will not get frightened. When these pre- 
cautions are taken, there are few horses so wild that 5^ou cannot 
now mount without making him jump. "When mounting, the 
horse should always stand without being held. 

HOW TO RIDE THE COLT.— When you want the 
colt to start, do not touch him on the side with the heel or strike 
him with the whip. At once speak to him kindly, and if he does 
not start, pull him a little to the left until he does so, then let him 
walk off slowly with the reins loose. Get on and off until he will 
stand when you get into the saddle. Get on from both sides 
until he becomes thoroughly familiar with the movements and 
stands still. After you have trained him in this way for several 



TRAINING THE HORSE 21 

hours you can ride him anywhere without having him jump or 
make an effort to throw you. When you mount a colt, take a 
little shorter hold on the left rein, so that if anything frightens him 
you can keep him from jumping by pulling his head around. This 
operation of pulling a horse' s head around to his side will prevent 
his jumping ahead, rearing up, or running away. If he is stub- 
born and will not go, you can make him move by pulling his 
head around to one side, when whipping will have no effect. 
Turn him around and around until he gets dizzy, then give him 
his head and a little touch with the whip and he will go along 
without any trouble. The martingale should never be used when 
a colt is learning. He should now be perfectly gentle and familiar 
with the halter, bridle, saddle and the different parts of the 
harness, and should be accustomed to follow readily when led 
either by the halter or bridle, and to stand in either the company 
of other horses or alone. 

HOW TO BREAK WILD AND VICIOUS COLTS.- 

One of the best plans for breaking wild and vicious colts is by 
what is known as the Rarey method. This consists in conquering 
the animal by depriving him of the use of his limbs, and making 
him feel that he is utterly powerless in the hands of the operator, 
and must submit to whatever is required of him. It is a system 
that condenses in a short time the work that would ordinarily 
cover the whole period of colthood up to the time. Mr. Rarey 
used an ordinary halter to which he attached a straight bar bit 
4J^ inches long between the rings, with side bars. The attach- 
ment is made by means of two small billets and buckles. The 
first step will be to halter the colt, which may be done by driving 
him into a close box or stall and haltering him if necessary from 
the outside. When bridled the next move is to throw him on his 
side. To throw him, do as directed in Operations on page 347. 
When down, rub and caress him, treating him with the utmost 
gentleness, and every effort should be made to quiet his fears and 
soothe his exitement. He must be shown that though mastered 
he is not in any way htu-t. Stroke his hair with the hand; pat 
his body, neck, and head; handle his feet, legs, and ears; in this 
way manipulating every part of the body. The operator may 



22 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

now sit down upon him and get all over him; for the more 
motions and changes that can be gone through with, the better. 
The harness should be rubbed over him; the saddle laid on him; 
and the chains rattled over him if such are used. Continue this- 
until all symptoms of fear have disappeared, and then allow him 
to get up. When on his feet, place the saddle on his back and 
each piece of harness. If he scares and jumps and acts ugly, 
take them off and throw him as at first. Bring the buggy and 
allow the wheels to pass around where he can see them, and lay 
the shafts on him. Continue doing this until he is familiar 
with every part of harness, saddle and carriage. Whatever is 
undertaken must be perseveringly taught until understood, for if 
the horse is not thoroughly conquered at the outset, a long course 
of training will be needed to bring him to proper subjection. 
Do not use harsh words or means. In handling the colt be gentle 
and soothing, bearing in mind that the law of kindness is more 
potent than that of force. All directions given for training colts 
apply here. 

Another method that is very effectual in taming wild and 
ugly colts is by the use of the knee strap. It is especially good 
for a "kicker." Take up one forefoot and bend the knee until 
the hoof is bottom upward; and then slip a loop over his knee and 
shove it up until it comes above the pastern joint, being careful 
to draw the loop together between the hoof and pastern joint with 
a second strap, to keep the loop from slipping down and off. This 
will leave the horse standing on three legs; he can be handled 
with ease in this position, for he cannot do much hampered in 
this manner. When the horse's foot is first fastened up, he will 
sometimes get in a rage, striking with his knee and trying in 
every way to get the foot to the ground; but he will soon give 
this up and with it abandon all ugly actions, be willing to obey, 
and generally be docile. Repeat this as often as required. This 
method is attended with less trouble and danger than any other 
method, since after tying up the foot you can sit down and let 
him fight it out. When he gives up, go to him, let down the 
foot, rub his leg with your hand, caress him and let him rest a 
few minutes, then put it up again. Repeat this a few times, 
always putting up the same foot, and he will learn to travel some 



TRAINING THE HORSE 23 

distance on three legs. When a little used to this way of going, 
put on the harness and hitch up to the cart or sulky. Even if a 
kicker, no fears need be harbored that he will do damage with 
one foot up, nor run very fast; if he wants to run and is given 
every privilege, and even urged, he will go but slowly on three 
legs, and will soon tire and be ready to stop. If when discon- 
tinuing the strapping up process there is fear that the horse may 
run or act viciously, straps with rings may be buckled below the 
fetlock on each foreleg, a small rope tied securely in the ring 
of the strap on the right leg, passed over the belly-band and 
down through the ring on the left foreleg, then passed up over 
the belly-band again and held by an assistant who walks or rides 
with the trainer. In case of trouble, the assistant by pulling on 
the rope can hold up one or both feet. If a horse shows a tend- 
ency to kick, a twitch on the lines will often distract his atten- 
tion and prevent kicking. In the case of a nervous and irritated 
horse, placing a blindfold over the eyes will frequently direct his 
attention in another direction. 

Horses have also been successfully tamed after being haltered 
by attaching to the halter, by a strong snap, a long rope (25 or 
30 feet) at its middle, and having the ends held by two attendants, 
whose only duty is to keep the rope spread, and to accommodate 
themselves to the movements of the colt, so as to keep it as nearly 
within bounds as possible, the trainer's part being to direct the 
work and to talk to the colt. After rearing and plunging until 
completely exhausted, the colt will be in condition for the master 
to begin the lessons in training. 

HOW TO USE A STUBBORN HORSE IN BREAK- 
ING. — If the animal you are training has a stubborn or mulish 
disposition, rather than being wild; if he lays back his ears as you 
approach him, or turns to kick you, he has not proper regard or 
fear of man, and it might be well to give him a few sharp cuts 
with the whip about the legs, pretty close to the body. It will 
crack sharply as it plies about the legs, and the crack of the whip 
will affect him as much as the stroke. Do not whip much; only 
just enough to frighten him. But whatever you do, do it with a 
good deal of fire, though without anger. If you cannot control 



24 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

yourself you are not fit to handle horses. When he does right, 
pat and caress him, giving him a piece of apple or something he 
is fond of. If he does wrong, give him the whip. As soon as 
he is frightened enough to stand up and pay some attention, go 
up to him and pet him a great deal more than you whipped him; 
by so doing you will excite the two controlling passions, love and 
fear, and he will love and fear you. Then as soon as he under- 
stands what you want, he will obey quickly. 

If the animal is too mulish to yield to careful and gentle 
treatment as is here given, then resort to the treatment as in the 
case of taming wild and vicious colts on page 2 1 . 

HOW TO MAKE A HORSE COME AT COMMAND. 

Take a small-sized rope about 15 feet long and tie it around the 
horse's neck the same as though you were tying him to a post; 
then draw the rope back between the horse's neck and the rope, 
and you will form a loop; by putting this over the lower jaw 
you will have a bridle that will be a power in your hands. 
Having put on the bridle take hold of the rope about 5 feet from 
the end, and give him a few side pulls, saying at the same time, 
"Come here, sir!" Then, quickly taking hold of the end of the 
rope, say, distinctly, "Come here, sir!" and if he comes, caress 
him; if he does not come, give him a pull sidewise, and repeat 
the command until he obeys. Now start off with the rope, either 
to the right or to the left, and if he does not follow you, give 
him another twitch, and he will soon learn to follow you. 
Ordinarily it can be taught in ten minutes. Use the same means 
when turning horse out to pasture, only let the rope go and trail 
along the ground, and when he gets a few yards away, repeat 
the command, and if he comes, pat him; if he does not, give 
him a lively jerk, and he will soon obey without the use of the 
rope. No matter how far away, if in the field, all that is neces- 
sary is to repeat the command and he will come. It is quite 
necessary to teach a horse this form of obedience, as it is the 
foundation of others, and is one of the most valuable that a 
horse can possess. 



TRAINING THE HORSE 25 

TO BREAK A HORSE OF REARING UNDER 
THE SADDLE OR BEFORE A CARRIAGE.— Attach a 

small cord tightly around the swell of the body, tie with a loop 
knot, one that will not slip, and carry it back to the carriage. 
By reason of not being able to expand his body, the horse will 
not rear, since he cannot do so without body expansion. The 
method is so simple that one would say that there is nothing to 
it, but if put to the test it will be found of great value in remov- 
ing a most unpleasant if not a dangerous habit. 

TO MAKE A HORSE STAND STILL WITHOUT 
HITCHING. — First teach the horse to follow you. When he 
will do this, stand him in the center of the stable. Begin caress- 
ing him at the head and gradually work backward. If he moves, 
give him a cut with the whip and put him back in the same place 
as at first. If he stands, pet him. Continue this until you can 
walk about him without making him move. Keep walking about 
him, increasing the distance gradually, but occasionally touch and 
caress him. After getting some distance from him, if he should 
move, give him another cut with the whip and put him back in 
his place. If he stands, go to him frequently and pet him. Go 
round him as before; then stand him in another spot and proceed 
as at first. 

TO TRAIN A HORSE TO STAND STILL WHILE 
GETTING INTO A CARRIAGE.— If the horse rears up and 
starts suddenly, or will not stand long enough to get in, do not 
whip him for it, as that only adds to the trouble and may make 
him stubborn so that he will refuse to go when called upon. In- 
stead, when he is hitched, pet him about the head, then take 
hold of the lines and put your foot on the step and shake the car- 
riage; if he starts, pull gradually on the reins, and at the same 
time say "Whoa, my boy," or something like it. Then approach 
his head and give him something he likes, as a piece of apple, 
caress him on the head between the eyes and on the nose and 
neck. Continue this for some minutes. When mounted, do not 
allow him to start off in a hurry; let him start off slowly. Perse- 
vere in the treatment and the horse will become kind about start-^ 
ing off. 



26 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

HOW TO MAKE AN ANIMAL GET UP THAT 
THROWS HIMSELF. — Animals often get sulky and acquire 
the habit of lying down. Horses that are balky when urged to 
go will often lie down and refuse to get up. Oxen will some- 
times lie down in the furrow before the plow. When the habit is 
thoroughly settled, it becomes very annoying to the owner or 
driver, and severe means are often resorted to without avail. The 
following will be found effective: 

When animal has thrown himself and refuses to get up, raise 
the head and pour into his nostril a small quantity of water — not 
over a pint — and the result will be both effective and amusing. 
He will get up with an alacrity that will make amends for his 
sulkiness, for the sensation will be that of drowning and there 
will be no tarrying on the beast's part to relieve himself. Simple 
though this may seem, bear it in mind, and the first time you 
have an opportunity to try its power, prove it to your satisfaction. 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



TO know something of the structure of the horse is of utmost 
importance to every one who breeds, rears, or buys them, 
since in the perfection of the parts that go to make up the complete 
animal — fineness and solidity of bone, firmness and sufiiciency of 
muscles, healthy organs of respirations, and a high normal condi- 
tion of activity in the digestive tract — lies the real value of this 
most valuable servant of man. Not only this, but having some 
knowledge of the body and its structure, the organs and their 
functions, one is much better fitted to care for, to treat in case of 
disease and in every way advance the condition of animals under 
his care. 

THE SKELETON OF THE HORSE.— To make the 
bony structure plain to the reader, which will first be considered, 
it is shown by diagram, since it is not only the most easily under- 
stood, but is the most accurate method of presenting information 
of this character. To make the object lesson still more easy, 
there is given in the illustration, not only the skeleton, but also 
a background of the outer form and outline of the horse. 

The Head. — If a cross or longitudinal cut were made of the 
head, it would be seen to be full of cavities or sinuses, the uses 
of which are to lighten the head and to warm the air as it passes 
into the pharynx on its way to the lungs. It is also full of fora- 
mina or small holes for the nerves from the brain, and blood 
vessels to pass through to the organs situated in the head, as the 
tongue, lips and the glands in and aroimd the head. There are 
also the cavities in which the eyes are situated, one on each side of 
the head. In examining the cavity, one will find a small opening 
through which the optic nerve passes in coming from the brain 
to the eye. This is the nerve of sight. But most important of 
all is the brain cavity, which contains that organ, through which 
the various movements and functions of the body are controlled. 

27 



28 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Cervical, or Neck Bones. — Of these there are seven in 
number. The first bone is called " atlas;" it is ringshaped with 
lateral projections like the outspread wings of a bird. It articu- 
lates with the skull and has great freedom of motion on the next 
bone, which is called the axis or "dentata," and which allows the 
head to turn in any direction, as on a pivot. Between these two 
bones on the upper side is the only place where the spinal cord 
is not covered with bone — a spot not larger than a twenty-five 
cent piece. Here is where the operation of "pithing" is per- 
formed in killing a horse. The rest of bones are not named, but 
simply numbered from before back. 

Dorsal, or Back Bones. — These are next in order after the 
neck bones, and there are eighteen of them. The height of the 
spines on the upper part of the bones is a point of interest, as 
they form the withers of the horse, as may be noticed in the cut. 
On either side these bones we find the ribs attached, eighteen 
pairs, corresponding to the number of bones in the back. 

Lumbar, or Small-of-the-Back Bones. — These are six in 
number and next in position to the bones noted. They are 
situated immediately over the kidneys. Are also called "bones of 
the loin." Their long side processes give the width to the loins 
and furnish attachment for the large muscles of the region. 

Sacral, or Croup Bones. — Before birth these are five in 
number, but they become united and form one bone. These are 
situated between the upper hip bones and help to form the croup 
of the horse. 

Coccygeal, or Tail Bones. — These are eighteen in number, 
and the point of interest is the fact of growing smaller as the end 
of the tail is approached. 

Hip, or Pelvic Bones. — The pelvis is made up of six bones, 
three on each side, all firmly united in one. The ilium is 
strongly attached to the bones of the croup, and may be called 
"the keystone of the arch," the outer part of it forming the pin 
of the hip or outer angle. The ischium or hip bone is a backward 
continuation of the ilium, and bears an enlargement which projects 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 29 

on each side a little below the tail. The pubis is a single bone 
and is connected with the others, forming an inverted arch with 
them, and forms the front part of the lower surface of the pelvis. 
The bladder lies upon this bone. 

Sternum, or Breast Bone. — The breast bone in the young 
horse is composed of six bones, but in the full grown horse it 
becomes united into one solid piece. The front of the bone is 
convex and sharply keeled, and its upper part projects so as to 
be plainly outlined in what is called the " point of the breast," 
that part just below the lower portion of the collar. This bone is 
one of the softest of the body, and the first eight pairs of ribs are 
attached to it on either side. 

Ribs. — There are eighteen pairs of ribs. They form the 
lateral walls of the thorax or chest cavity, and afford protection 
to the heart and lungs. They are attached above to the dorsal 
region of the back bone. Below, the first eight pairs are 
attached directly to the sternum or breast bone, and these are 
called the true ribs; the remaining ten pairs are attached 
indirectly to the breast bone by cartilages, and are called "false 
ribs. ' ' Beginning with the first rib they increase in length to the 
ninth, then grow shorter until the last is reached which is only 
a few inches in length. 

Bones of the Shoulder. — These are two in number; the 
shoulder-blade or scapula, and the shoulder bone or humerus. 
They form the shoulder joint, which is a ball and socket joint, 
and has a strong capsular ligament, and is held down to its place 
also by several strong muscles. This is the seat of what is called 
"shoulder joint lameness." The elbow joint is formed by the 
lower end of the humerus or shoulder bone, and the upper ends 
of the radius and ulna, the bones of the forearm. 

Bones of the Forearm. — The upper part of the foreleg of 
the horse is called the forearm, and is composed of two bones, 
extending from the elbow to the knee. One is behind and to 
some extent above the other; there being a considerable projec- 
tion received between the heads of the lower bone of the shoulder 



30 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

(humerus), forming a powerful lever, into which are inserted the 
muscles for extending the arm. The upper bone ends in a point 
behind the middle of the other one. 

Bones of the Knee. — These bones are eight in number, 
arranged in two rows, three in each row and one back of each 
row. The one back of the upper row gives prominence to the 
back of the knee, acting as a lever and should be large. There 
are three transverse joints in the knee, one between the upper 
row and the radius above, one between the two rows, and one 
between the lower row and the bones below. The greatest 
amount of movement takes place between the upper row and the 
radius, a small amount between the two rows, and practically 
none between the lower row and the bones below; this accounts 
for the fact that a bony growth on the lower part of the knee 
may not stiffen the joint to a noticeable extent. The bones are 
all held together by a large number of ligaments, making the 
structure very strong. 

Bones of the Cannon. — Between the knee and the fetlock 
are three bones — one large bone and the two small or splint bones. 
These form what is called the Cannon. The upper end of the 
large bone articulates with the lower row of bones in the knee, 
and below with the upper pastern at the fetlock joint. The large 
bone is nearly straight, rounded in front and flattened or slightly 
concave behind. The splint bones, which are to strengthen the 
cannon bone, diminish to a point before reaching the fetlock joint; 
they are attached one to either back border of the large bone, 
their upper ends helping to support the lower row of bones of the 
knee. 

Bones of the Pastern and the Foot. — By reference to cut, 
"Anatomy of Foot," showing the bones of the lower part of the 
front leg, all the bones and joints may be seen. The part of the 
leg between the fetlock and the foot is called the "pastern." The 
upper pastern bone moves freely upon the cannon bone, and at the 
back of this articulation are two small bones called ' 'sessamoids. ' ' 
The movement between the upper and lower pastern bones is 
not very great; about one-half the lower bone is within the hoof. 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 31 

The toe is formed by the cofl&n bone which is surrounded and 
enveloped in the hoof. The navicular or shuttle bone lies beneath 
and partly within the junction of the coffin and lower pastern. 
It is also enclosed in the hoof. 

Bones of the Hind Leg. — The femur or upper thigh bone 
articulates at the upper end with the ilium, which is in turn joined 
to the back bone. The femur is very large and strong, and has 
upon it large projections for the attachment of important muscles. 
The upper end of the femur has a rounded head on the inner 
side, jBtting into and articulating with a cup-like cavity formed at 
the junction of the three pelvic bones. At the end below are 
the two prominences fitting into the depressions in the tibia or 
lower thigh bone, and in front of which is a groove for the patella 
or knee-cap to work in, the whole making what is called "the stifle 
joint." The lower thigh is made up of two bones, the tibia or 
main bone, and the fibula or small bone at the outer, upper part, 
which reaches down the tibia about one-third its length, and is 
attached to it. 

Bones of the Hock, or Tarsus Joint. — This joint contains 
six and sometimes seven bones. They are interposed between 
the tibia above and the cannon bones below. Most of the move- 
ment of the joint takes place between the tibia and the upper 
front bone of the hock; these articulate in such a way as to give 
a large amount of motion; but slight motion takes place between 
the other bones. The projecting bone at the back, which forms 
the point of the hock, acts as a lever for the attachment of a large 
tendon. 

The bones below the hock in the hind legs are the same as 
those below the knee in front. 

THE MUSCLES OF THE HORSE.— In the previous 
articles the skeleton of the horse was set forth. In this article 
we will as clearly as possible say something of the muscular 
system. For purposes of accuracy the scientific world has 
adopted the Greek and Latin languages as the source of names, 
since they are generally understood by scholars; for this reason 
it is difficult to go into the detail of names in a popular work such 



32 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

as this without cumbering it with a great mass of useless matter, 
but we will try and give a goodly amount of instruction and put 
it into language easy of comprehension . 

Muscles are the active organs of motion, each being separated 
from the other by a thin, delicate membrane of connective tissue, 
which forms a sheath for the muscle. They are divided into two 
parts — fleshy and tendinous. The first is larger than the second 
and is sometimes called the ' 'belly of the muscle. ' ' It is the ' 'lean 
meat," to use a popular term. At both ends of the muscle is the 
tendinous part, which is hard and white and forms the attach- 
ment to the bone. Every muscle is attached to two or more 
places on different bones, and by their contraction move the joints 
of the body. They are supplied with nerves, which give energy 
and feeling, and also well supplied with small blood vessels, 
from which the muscle is fed. There are two kinds of muscles 
— voluntary and involuntary. The voluntary are under the 
control of the will of the animal, as the muscles which move the 
leg or head. The involuntary are those that work without con- 
scious action of the will, such as those of the heart, or of the 
breathing organs. 

Muscles of the Head and Neck. — The masseter muscle 
forms the cheek of the horse, and its function is to close the 
jaw; the temporal muscle also assists in the action of chewing, 
and the dimpling seen above the eye in doing so is from the 
action of this muscle. The eye has two muscles — one to close 
the eye and one to raise the eyelid. The ear muscles are 
not conspicuous; one turns the ear forward, a second turns it 
inward and backward, while a third descends at the back of the 
cheek and turns the ear outward. The nose and lip muscles are 
important, since they aid in gathering food, and in expanding 
and contracting the nostrils in breathing. They also, in connec- 
tion with those of the ears, aid one in judging much as to the 
temper of the horse. One muscle entirely surrounds the mouth, 
and it opens and closes the lips; another, a pyramid-shaped muscle, 
covers the nostril, and also raises the upper lip. The under lip 
is drawn back by a narrow muscle, which is inserted into the lip 
below the angle of the mouth; it passes along the side of the jaw, 
disappearing under the cheek muscle — the masseter. 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 33 



One of the principal muscles of the neck originates in the 
four or five first dorsal bones and in the lower five bones of 
the neck; from these points uniting into one muscle, which makes 
up the principal lower part of the neck, and which, diminishing 
in size as it passes toward the head, terminates in a tendon 
inserted in the bone covering the top of the head. Above this 
is another muscle called the splenius, which is inserted into all 
the bones of the neck except the first, but having with this and 
the top of the head a separate connection. To the form and 
development of these muscles the muscularity and beauty of the 
neck is due. The thick crest and massive neck of the stallion 
are largely due to the development of these muscles. 

On the front of the neck are three muscles that may be 
mentioned, the first of which is the hyoid muscle; this is attached 
to the hyoid bone of the tongue; descends along the front of the 
neck close to the trachea, or windpipe, to the point of the breast, 
but is for most of its length covered by other muscles. The 
principal depressor muscle of the neck partly covers the hyoid 
muscle; it rises from the upper part of the point of the breast, 
covers the lower front of the neck, proceeds upward just under- 
neath the skin, and is inserted by a flat tendon into the rear angle 
of the lower jaw. It forms the lower border of the groove on the 
side of the neck, called the "jugular furrow." Extending from 
the back of the head and upper part of neck, along the side 
of the neck forming the upper border of the jugular furrow is an 
important muscle which spreads out over the point of the 
shoulder. It has a double function; with the head fixed by its 
own muscles, it becomes the point from which this muscle raises 
the shoulder — but the action can be reversed. With the shoulder 
as the fixed point, the head can be depressed by means of a small 
slip of muscle being carried forward to the point of the breast 
bone to bear the head in that direction. The muscles are all 
arranged in pairs, sometimes, but rarely in contact; so that in 
speaking of them in the singular, their function and position is to 
be understood as applying to each side of the animal. 

Muscles of the Shoulders and Back. — An important 
muscle is one called the trapezius muscle. It rises from the^ 



34 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

ligament of the neck and the principal bones of the withers, 
and terminates in a pointed shape on the prominent part of the 
shoulder-blade. Its office, assisted by another muscle, is to raise 
and support the shoulders. Occupying the outer surface of the 
shoulder-blade, on the front side of the spine or ridge of that bone, 
is another important muscle, the anterior spinatus. It proceeds 
to the lower bone of the shoulder (the humerus) , and dividing 
into two parts is inserted into the two prominences on the front 
of it. Its office is to carry the bone forward . Covering the shoulder- 
blade, back of the bony ridge, is another muscle called the posterior 
spinatus. It is these two muscles which waste away in Sweeny. 
Inside the arm at the junction with the body is the large pectoral 
group of four muscles, whose work is to pull the whole foreleg 
inward, keeping it in line with the body, inducing an even and 
regular action of that member, and forming the breast. On the 
outside of the shoulder, and easily seen when the horse is in 
motion, is a triangular group of large muscles, whose office is to 
straighten and extend the forearm, bringing it down perpendicu- 
larly and in line with the lower bone of the shoulder (the 
humerus). Arising from the back border of the shoulder-blade 
and the lower bone of the shoulder, they are inserted into the 
point of the elbow. The muscles which bend the forearm up- 
wards are not visible in the living horse, being nearly covered by 
those of the shoulder. 

The principal muscle of the back extends from the shoulder 
to the haunch; it is strongly attached to the processes of the back 
bones and to the ribs, and is employed in raising the fore and 
hind parts and in rearing and kicking. The portion nearest the 
surface is that covered by the saddle, but no part is distinctly 
apparent without dissection. 

Muscles of the Fore Legs. — These may be divided into 
two classes — extending or straightening, and flexing or bending. 
The first named are the ones that straighten the leg. Above, these 
muscles are attached to the bones around the elbow joint and pass 
down on the front of the forearm; about three inches above the 
knee they change into tendon and become what are called the 
"cords of the leg." Some are attached just below the knee joint 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 35 

to the cannon bone, and others pass down in front of the cannon 
and attach to the foot bone. 

The flexing or bending muscles are situated at the back part 
of the leg; are attached above to the back part of elbow joint and 
pass downward on the back part of the forearm. Above the 
knee they also become tendinous, a part of them attaching to the 
little bone at the back of the upper row of knee bones, and in 
acting bend this joint, while two continue down the back of the 
cannon, forming what are called the back tendons, and are 
attached to the bottom of the foot bone. 

Muscles of the Hind Quarters. — Among the prominent 
muscles of the hip are what are called the gluteal muscles; they 
are large and make up a large part of the flesh around the hip 
bone. Their function is to carry the the hind leg back, and so 
when the foot is fixed to the ground, push the body forward. 
They have been termed the "kicking muscles." The principal 
one arises in the bones of the loin, and in the side bone of the 
pelvis, and terminates in a projection on the upper bone of the 
thigh, (the femur) . 

Another important muscle is the ' ' three headed muscle ' ' of 
the thigh. Really it is three in one, having a common origin 
and united together. Originating from the sacral bones, and 
from various parts of the pelvic bones, it curves downward and 
forward, dividing into three heads, which are inserted into the 
upper part of the lower bone of the thigh behind the stifle joint. 
It assists the preceding muscle in carrying the leg backward, 
and hence throws the body forward when the foot is fixed. 
Parallel with and behind this is the "double-headed muscle" that 
descends from the croup and first bones of the tail, to the inner 
side of the lower bone of the thigh. It forms the rear border of 
haunch and assists the two preceding, the three being very 
important muscles and should be large in draft horses. The 
rectus muscle forms the front of the thigh and extends from the 
side bone of the pelvis, in front of hip joint, to the patella or 
knee-cap. It, with two assistants, carries the leg forward. 

There are a number of muscles on the inside of the thigh 
which keep the leg from swinging away from the body. Of the 



36 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

muscles of the tail there are four — one on the upper side, its 
ofiSce being to raise the tail; two are on either side, to draw the 
tail in either direction sidewise, and one on the under side to draw 
and hold the tail down. 

Muscles of the Lower Thigh, or Gaskin. — Like the fore- 
leg these may be divided into the flexing and extending muscles. 
The first named are attached above around the stifle joint and 
descending down the front of the thigh bone, one becomes at- 
tached to the front of the cannon just below the hock and flexes 
this joint, while the others pass through sheaths or loops at the 
hock to hold the muscles firm while leg is in action; thence con- 
tinuing down in front of the cannon bone to the fetlock, we find 
them passing through loops or sheaths, then on down in front of 
the pastern bones, and widely expanding are inserted into the 
upper part of the cofiin bone; these straighten the fetlock joint. 
The back muscles are attached above, around the stifle joint at 
its back; they become tendinous before reaching the hock. Two 
of the principal ones pass down to the back part of the hock joint, 
known as the ' ' point of the hock," to which one is attached; they 
form what is called the * 'ham-string.' ' The other passes down the 
back of the cannon to the fetlock joint through a sheath, along 
the back part of the pastern bones, and is attached to the lower 
one. This tendon, from the hock down, forms one of the back 
tendons of the hind legs. Another important muscle passes down 
underneath the one already mentioned, through a sheath at the 
back part of the hock where it is supplied with a synovial sack, 
and then passes down the back of the shank or cannon bone be- 
neath the other tendoti, through the sheath at the fetlock to the 
back part of the bone of the foot where it is attached. The one 
which attaches to the point of the hock straightens that joint and 
is important in propelling the animal; those going to the foot 
bend that member backward. 

Involuntary Muscles. — Are those that control to some ex- 
tent the expansion and contraction of the lungs in breathing; the 
action of the heart in beating, and they also help form the walls 
of all the hollow organs, as the digestive tract, the bladder and 
the womb. 



ANATOMY OF THR HORSE Z1 

The Diaphragm is a large muscular curtain which separates 
the chest from the abdomen; it has an important action in 
breathing. 

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.— The nervous system is a 
very important set of the organs which give energy and feeling to 
the body, and interpret impressions received through the medium 
of the senses, such as seeing, smelling, hearing, etc. The brain 
is the center of the nervous system, and is situated in the cranial 
cavity. It is surrounded by three delicate membranes, called the 
"meninges," the outer one being attached to the inner wall of the 
cranial cavity. From the brain the nerves which supply the 
various organs in the head are passed down through the foramina 
or openings to their respective points, as the optic nerve to the 
eye, the auditory nerve to the ear, the olfactory nerves that 
supply the sense of smell to the nose, and the nerve of taste to 
the tongue. Other nerves pass to other parts of the head to 
give feeling and motion, and still others to the pharynx to give 
the power of swallowing. In passing from the brain along the 
spinal cord, which is situated in the canal of the bones of the 
back, there are numerous small nerves, given off to supply the 
muscles of the neck, giving both feeling and motion. About 
opposite the shoulder-blade the spinal cord gives off a large bunch 
of nerves, part of which gives nerve power to the heart and 
lungs. An important point to remember is: that if the spinal 
€ord is injured in front of these nerves, death is the result. 
The other part of the nerves supply the shoulders, chest and 
muscles of the front legs. Farther back are given off the nerves 
that supply the organs of the abdominal cavity. In the region 
of the hips are another lot of nerves given off, some going to 
the rectum, the womb and the bladder, assisting in the functional 
work of those organs; others supply the muscles of the hips, 
hind legs and the tail. Nerves have the appearance of white 
threads held together by a common tissue sheath. The brain of 
the horse weighs on the average 23 ounces; that of man 50 ounces. 

THE CIRCULATION.— The system of circulation is car- 
ried on by means of the heart, arteries, capillaries and veins, and 
the very important fluid, the blood. 



38 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

The Heart. — The heart is the principal organ of circula- 
tion; it weighs in the average horse about six to six and one-half 
pounds. It is a hollow, involuntary, muscular organ, and acts 
as a force pump in maintaining the circulation of the blood, and 
is situated between the lungs. The bottom end or apex is down- 
ward and rests just above the breast bone, the base or upper 
part being directed upward and to the left side, the left lung 
having a hollow on its side for the heart to work in. There is 
a sac around the heart which helps to protect and support it, 
being attached to the back bone above, and to the breast bone 
below. The sac is composed of a whitish fibrous tissue, smooth 
inside, with many small glands that secrete a watery substance 
that lubricates the outer heart wall and the inner sac wall, so 
that in action the walls are not irritated. The heart cavity is 
in two parts, the right and left sides, each one of these are 
again divided into an upper cavity called the auricle, and the 
lower called the ventricle, so we have right and left auricle and 
right and left ventricle. The right auricle communicates with 
the right ventricle through an opening in the septum or partition 
on the right side of the heart, but a return is prevented by a 
valve. The left auricle opens into the left ventricle in the same 
way. The right side is sometimes called the venous side and the 
left side the arterial side. Two large veins empty the impure 
blood of the body into the right auricle. The right auricle con- 
tracting forces the blood through the opening in the partition 
into the right ventricle; the valve preventing return. The right 
ventricle contracts and forces the blood into the pulmonary artery, 
which branches a few inches above the heart, connecting with the 
right and left lungs. These are again divided into other small 
arteries which flow into what is called the capillary net-work, 
which is situated around the air-cells of the lungs, where the 
blood gives up its carbonic acid gas, and takes in oxygen from 
the air, which changes the color from a dark purplish red to a 
bright red. Here is emphasized the necessity of well ventilated 
quarters, in order that the carbonic acid gas may be carried off 
and the oxygen supplied. The pulmonary veins now return the 
blood to the left auricle, and the contraction of the auricle sends 
the blood through the opening into the left ventricle, which 




in" cv~ cvj' ^^ i^'' so^ N,- ao'^ 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 39 

opening is guarded to prevent a return, while the left ventricle 
contracts and forces the blood into the aorta or large artery of the 
body, which passes above the heart two or three inches, where 
the artery branching, sends one forward to supply the parts of 
the body in front of the heart, and another backward along the 
spinal bones, to supply the body behind the organ. 

The branch that goes forward soon divides, sending off 
branches to supply the shoulders and forelegs, while two other 
branches, called the carotid arteries, pass along each side of the 
neck under the jugular veins, giving off branches to supply the 
muscles and parts of the neck. Just below the butt of the ears 
these divide again each into three large branches, which supply 
the brain and other parts of the head. The branch of the aorta 
that turns backward from the heart is a very long and large one, 
passing below the spine and between the kidneys, branching 
again a few inches beyond into four large arteries, two to the left 
and two to the right side, supplying the pelvic cavity and the 
hind legs. Before the division into four branches, other small 
branches were given off, supplying the liver, the spleen, the 
stomach, the large and small bowels, and one to each kidney. As 
the blood nears the extremities the arteries grow smaller, until at 
last the blood reaches the capillaries — small vessels connecting 
the arteries and veins — where the blood unloads its nutritive mat- 
ter and takes on the waste material, conveying it back to the 
heart through the veins. 

Arteries are the vessels that convey the blood away from the 
heart to the different parts of the body, which being purified 
in the lungs by air contact is pure and of a bright red color. 

Veins carry the blood back to the heart loaded with the im- 
purities that are taken up in the capillaries, and it is then a dark, 
purplish color. 

The Capillary Vessels are small vessels about 1-3000 of an 
inch in diameter that are arranged in varied form in net-work 
between the termination of the arteries and the beginning of the 
veins. It is here that the nutritive elements are given up to the 
tissues and the waste matter is taken up. 



.%o THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

The Lymphatic, also known as the absorbent system, is con- 
nected with the blood vessels, and is made up of very minute 
tubes and glands, which convey from the tissues of the body a 
clear fluid known as lymph, and pour it into the blood of the 
^eins as it is on its way back to the heart. These glands are 
jfound all through the body — in every tissue of the body supplied 
by blood. It is from an inflammation of these glands that are 
found insid'e of the thigh and shoulder, that we have the disease 
Jknown as "lymphangitis" or "water farcy." 

THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. — The digestive organs 
comprise the alimentary canal and accessories from the mouth to 
the anus. The chief parts are the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, or 
the tube leading from the pharynx to stomach and the bowels, 
or intestines. The mouth is the cavity at the beginning of the 
digestive canal; in front are the lips; at the sides, the cheeks, 
which are lined by what is termed mucous membrane, that has 
several openings in it from the glands, which supply the saliva. 
On the upper surface of the mouth the mucous membrane is 
thrown into folds or bars, from eighteen to twenty in number, 
which assist the tongue in the manipulation of food. The tongue 
is an important member in articulation, in mastication and in 
taste. 

The Teeth. — The teeth perform a most important office 
in masticating food, thus helping to prepare it for digestion. 
The horse has two sets, the milk teeth of which there are twenty- 
four; and the permanent teeth of which there are forty. In the 
mare the tusks are rudimentary or wanting, hence there are 
usually thirty-six. The incisors, or front teeth, are twelve in 
number, six in each jaw, the upper being longest; the two middle 
ones are called nippers, or central incisors, the two adjoining 
teeth lateral incisors, and the outer ones corner incisors. The 
tusks or canine teeth are four in number, a pair above and below; 
as has been stated these are generally wanting in the mare. 
The molars or grinders are twelve in the milk teeth, and twenty- 
four in the permanent set — six on each side above and below. 
Ivike the incisors, those of the upper jaw are the largest. In 
addition the horse may have supplementary molars called wolf 



ANATOMY OF THK HORSE 41 

teeth, small round pointed teeth that come in the upper jaw, 
also sometimes in the lower jaw, in front of the molars, one on 
€ach side. 

The Salivary Glands. — These are the glands that secrete 
the saliva that is poured into the mouth while the animal is eat- 
ing. There are three pairs of importance, one large pair on each 
side of the throat below the ears, filling the space between the 
.jawbone and neck; this pair has ducts passing around and under 
the lower jaw and up into the cheek muscles, entering the mouth 
opposite the third molar. The next pair are below the first men- 
tioned and open into the bottom part of the mouth. The third 
pair are situated under the tongue, one on each side; by many 
small ducts they empty saliva into the mouth. The use of saliva 
is to liquify starchy food, and to convert it into dextrin and 
maltose; it also aids mastication and assists the sense of taste by 
dissolving the food. 

The Pharynx. — A cavity just back of the mouth common 
to both digestive and respiratory tracts. It is separated from the 
mouth by a curtain called the soft palate; this is very large in 
the horse, preventing food from returning into the mouth after 
having entered the pharynx. 

The Esophag^JS or Gullet. — Is a tube, lined with mucous 
membrane about the same as the mouth, that extends from the 
pharynx to the stomach. Its office is the conveying of food from 
the pharynx to the stomach by means of successive contractions 
of its muscular coat. 

The Stomach. — The stomach of the horse is small, holding 
about three to four gallons. The walls of the stomach are com- 
posed of three coats, the outside or serous membrane, the middle 
or muscular membrane, and the inner or mucous membrane, 
which is a continuation of the membrane of mouth and esophagus. 
When the stomach is empty, the inner coat is in loose folds, and 
there are found small openings in it through which gastric juice 
enters from the secreting glands. This juice aids in the process 
of digestion. The middle or muscular coat consists of muscular 
fibres which in action give the stornach a §ort of churning motion, 



42 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

rolling the food around and mixing it with the gastric juice. 
There are valves at the entrance and the exit of the stomach to 
prevent a return of food to the gullet, or to allow coarse, undi- 
gested food to enter bowels. Large ligaments hold the stomach 
in place, and it is well supplied by blood vessels and nerves. In 
the horse stomach, the digestion of food takes place quickly in 
comparison with other animals. After the food has been fully 
digested in the stomach it is changed into what is called chyme, 
and in this form passes on to the bowels. 

The Bowels or Intestines. — The bowels or intestines are' 
divided into large and small, the two, however, forming a con-- 
tinuous tube with winding convolutions, their length being in 
the average horse about ninety feet, of which the small bowels 
are about three-fourths the total length. The coats are similar 
to those of the stomach. The outer one secretes watery fluid 
that lubricates the bowels and prevent irritation from contact 
with the abdominal walls; the middle or muscular coat has the 
faculty of contracting and relaxing, forcing the contents onward 
toward the anus and mixing the food with the juices; the mucous 
membrane contains small structures that absorb the nourishment 
from the food after it is completely digested by the juices of the 
liver and pancreas, and the glands of the mucous membrane, 
pouring it into the blood, which, by the action of the heart, car- 
ries it to all parts of the body. About six inches from the 
stomach in the bowels are found two openings, one for the hepatic 
duct, which carries the bile from the liver, and the other for the 
pancreatic duct, which carries a clear fluid from the pancreas^ 
called pancreatic juice. These act on the food from the stomach,, 
changing it as stated above. 

The first part of the large bowels is known as the blind gut 
and is about three feet long; its use is to act as a reservoir for 
water and fluid parts of food. The next part of the large bowels 
is known as the great colon; it is about eleven feet in length, 
eight to ten inches in diameter and lies on the floor of the belly, 
being doubled on itself three times, forming four portions; it is 
the largest portion of the tract, holding about eighteen gallons. 
Here digestion of the food is completed, the bowel contracting and 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 43 

working, it takes out the nutriment, from here the contents are 
carried into what is called the floating colon, which is about ten 
feet long and about two inches in diameter; it is thrown into 
folds and has the office of working its contents into balls, which 
are then emptied into the rectum. It is suspended from the back 
bone by a curtain, and lies largely in the left flank. 

The Rectum. — This is the last part of the intestines, is 
about eighteen inches in length, and is sometimes termed the 
straight bowel. The coats are a continuation of those of the 
large bowels, but the walls are very much thicker. Above this 
bowel are the bones of the croup; below in the horse is the blad- 
der. In the mare are found the womb and vagina or passage out, 
and at the sides are the bones that help to make the pelvic cavity. 
It is the receptacle for the feces passed on from the colon, which 
when full, is discharged by the contraction of its muscular coat, 
and the dilation of the anus or the posterior opening of the ali- 
mentary canal. 

THE LIVER. — The liver is the largest secreting gland of 
the body, weighing from ten to twelve pounds; it is situated 
between the stomach and the diaphragm and is held in place by 
several strong ligaments; is dark brown in color and secretes a 
fluid known as bile, wh^ch is greenish in color and bitter in taste. 
The horse has no gall bladder, but simply a tube that allows the 
bile, as fast as formed, to flow directly into the small intestines 
about six inches beyond the stomach. It is well supplied with 
blood vessels and nerves. The bile is an important digestive fluid. 

THE PANCREAS.— The pancreas is an elongated, lobed 
gland, which lies across the stomach and in front of the kidneys; 
it is a reddish cream color, and closely resembles salivary glands; 
the pancreatic juice which it secretes, and pours out into the 
small intestines just back of the stomach, is a clear, colorless 
alkaline fluid resembling the saliva, and it aids in the digestive 
process. 

THE SPLEEN.— The spleen is a soft, greyish-red organ, 
situated on the left side of the stomach, and closely attached to it» 



44 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

It has no ducts for the secretion of any fluids, and its purpose is 
not well understood, but is thought to regulate the temperature 
of the stomach during digestion, and to act as a reservoir for the 
blood. It weighs from two to fotur pounds and is well supplied 
with blood vessels and nerves. 

THE MEMBRANES.— The muscles are enclosed and 
bound in their places by a white, thin, tendon-like tissue called 
fascia; the surface tissue varying in thickness in different parts 
of the body, separating muscle and skin and protecting the struc- 
ture beneath, besides conserving the heat of the body — fat being 
a poor conductor. The deep tissue not only encloses the body of 
each muscle in a sheath, but it becomes united to and blends with 
the covering of the bone — the periosteum. 

The mucous membranes line all open cavities of the body, as 
for example, the digestive organs, the breathing organs, the 
urinary and the genital organs. In the mucous membranes are 
a large number of glands which secrete a somewhat vicid fluid, 
called mucus; this keeps the membranes moist. When the mem- 
brane is diseased the mucus is secreted abnormally and a discharge 
is the result, or, it is not secreted sufl&ciently and the membrane 
becomes dry and irritated. 

The serous membranes, so called because they secrete serum, 
a lubricating fluid, line the cavities of the body that do not com- 
municate with the air. This membrane is made up of two coats, 
the inner one attached to the organs in the cavity and the other 
forming the cavity lining, as for example: the belly cavity is 
lined and the bowels covered with a serous coat called the peri- 
toneum. Another that lines the chest cavity and covers the 
lungs is called the pleura. 

THE SKIN. — This is the membrane that covers the body 
and consists of two parts — the epidermis or outer layer, and the 
dermis or true skin beneath. The epidermis is the outer layer of 
the skin and is composed of minute cells or scales, its oflSce being 
to protect the under layer from injury, becoming especially thick 
where the skin is exposed to friction. This layer has no nerves 
and is insensible; there is a constant change going on, the dry 
scale thrown off being known as dandruff. 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 45 

The dermis or true skin lies beneath the epidermis, and is 
made up of a network of tissues, vessels and nerves. What are 
known as the sweat glands are found in this layer. Being sup- 
plied with nerves of touch, it is highly sensitive, while at the 
same time it protects the terminations of the nerxT'es that supplies 
it. It is a bad heat conductor, and thus serves to retain the heat 
of the body; it throws off waste matter through the sweat glands, 
the sweat playing an important part in regulating the tempera- 
ture of the body; absorption sometimes takes place from its sur- 
face. The sebaceous or oil secreting glands are also found in the 
skin; they furnish fatty matter that keeps the hair soft and sleek. 

THE HAIR. — The hair is the clothing of the horse, and is 
found in three forms; the common, which covers the body of the 
animal being the finest. That of the mane and tail is coarse and 
long, while a third that is stiffer is found around the muzzle, and is 
sometimes called "cat hairs." The condition of the horse is shown 
by his hair; when well, it will be sleek and glossy, while in dis- 
ease, it will be dry, harsh, and staring. In the spring the old 
coat is shed, a new one being ready to take its place; and as the 
hot weather comes on, this is also shed in part. As the cold 
weather again approaches a new suit of hair, thicker and coarser, 
begins to appear. 

THE EYE. — Something has been said of the eye in the 
description of bone, muscle and nerve, but a little might be 
added that would be instructive and of interest. The eye of the 
horse is a roundish body, flattened behind, mostly enclosed in its 
bony cavity and membranes. It is made up of several coats 
around the outside, and the interior of what are called the humors 
of the eye — the same being three transparant media through 
which the light rays pass, and are respectively liquid, semi-solid 
and solid. The solid one is the lens, which resembles in shape 
the lens of a camera, and forms a picture on the retina the same 
as the lens does on the plate. On the inner side of the coats is a 
thin membrane called the retina, which receives the impressions of 
objects and transmits them to the brain through the optic nerve 
which terminates in it. The oblong opening is known as the 
pupil of the eye, and has the power of dilation and contraction, 



46 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

thus adapting the eye to light received. At the back of the eye 
are several muscles attached to the eye and to the bony cavity, 
the uses of which are to move the eye and hold it in place. At the 
front are the two movable curtains called eyelids, which serve to 
open and close, and to protect from injury, aided by the eye- 
lashes. At the inner angle of the eye may be seen what is known 
as the haw, or winking cartilage, the office of which is to assist 
in removing foreign bodies from the front of the eyeball. In 
the corner of this angle is a duct that leads to the nose, which 
conducts the tears of the eye to the nasal passages. A small gland 
above the outer part of the eyeball, secretes the tears that flow 
over the eye, keeping it lubricated. 

THE EAR. — The ear of the horse is divided into several 
parts. The inner part or drum is situated in the petrosal or hard 
bone of the head. The auditory nerve (from the I^atin audire, 
to hear) terminates in small structures just inside the drum of 
the ear and conveys the sound impressions received to the brain. 
From the drum is a small opening outward to the external ear, 
which is made of cartilage to give it stiffness. This is covered 
with a fine delicate skin and covered with soft, fine hair. I^ong 
hair pointing outward fills the external ear, its purpose being 
that of protection. The muscles of the ear have been mentioned 
in the muscular system. 

THE HOOF.— The hoof of the horse is divided into three 
distinct parts — the wall, sole and frog. The wall is that part of 
the hoof that is visible when the hoof rests on the ground, and is 
divided into the toe, the quarters, the heels and the bars. The 
toe forms the front of the hoof, the quarters are the sides, and the 
heels make up the back part. The wall is thickest at the toe and 
decreases in thickness from the front, being much thinner at the 
sides. From the heel is a process of hoof which looks like a bar, 
passing forward between the frog and the sole, one on each side, 
acting as a brace to the heel and to the quarters; these are called 
' 'bars. " In a state of nature the walls are covered with a fine mem- 
brane called periople, that gives the hoof a polished look. Its 
office is to prevent evaporation and cracking of the horn — a fact 







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ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 47 

'often overlooked in shoeing when the smith rasps it away too 
: freely. Around the top of the wall where it unites with the skin 
is the coronary band, which is that portion of the skin from which 
the wall of the hoof grows. Within the wall are the coffin, navic- 
ular and part of the small pastern bones, also the quick or 
.sensitive laminae, plantar cushion, and lateral cartilages. 

The sole of the foot is a thick plate of horn shaped like the 
-circumference of the foot, except that a V-shaped opening is left 
behind for the reception of the frog, and is concave on the lower 
surface. It is produced by the velvety tissue, a thin membrane 
-covering the inferior surface of the coffin bone. The horn of the 
sole differs somewhat from that of the wall in construction. 

The frog is the prominent elastic horn found in the V-shaped 
notch in the back part of the sole, and is attached to its borders. 
It is wide at the back, helping to form the heels, and the point of 
it in front is called the apex. Between the frog and the bars on 
either side are the commissures, and on the upper part is the 
membrane known as the sensitive frog, which attaches the frog 
to the tendon which lies above. 

The office of the frog is to destroy shock and to prevent 
slipping. 

THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION OR BREATH- 
ING. — These comprise the nostrils, chambers of the head, larnyx, 
pharynx, windpipe, bronchial tubes and the lungs. 

The Nostrils are the two openings, one on each side of the 
nose, held open by the aid of cartilage and muscles. About one 
and one-half inches up the nostril, on under side, is a small shot- 
like opening which is the terminal of the eye duct, which carries 
down the tears that lubricate the eyes. The nostrils are lined 
with a thin, delicate skin, that changes to the mucous membrane 
as it passes into the head chambers. Above the nasal openings 
are what are called false nostrils. 

The Nasal Chambers give passage to the air from the 
nostrils to the pharynx, and are separated by a partition of cartilage 
or gristle, each chamber again being divided into three continuous 
compartments by thin bo y plates, called turbinated bones. The 



48 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR^ 

nasal chambers open into the pharynx, the cavity which is com- 
mon to both digestive and respiratory tracts and is described with ^ 
the digestive organs. On account of the formation of the large, 
soft palate at the back of the mouth, the horse can breathe only 
through the nose. 

The Larynx is situated between the lower jaw bones, just 
back of the root of the tongue, is box-like, made of cartilage, 
^ves passage to the air and is also the organ of voice. It has an 
opening on the upper side guarded by a valve, which is open 
except when the animal is swallowing food or water. The lining 
is so delicate that the smallest particle of food dropped into it 
from the phar5mx, causes a violent fit of coughing. It is retained, 
in place by the windpipe, muscles, and bones to which it is at- 
tached. 

The Windpipe, or Trachea, is the tube which carries the air 
from the larynx to the bronchial tubes and the lungs. It is com- 
posed of forty to fifty rings of cartilage united by strong, elastic 
ligaments, which give the windpipe its flexibility, so that it can 
be bent in any direction. It is lined with mucous membrane. It 
can be readily felt in the front of the neck, the upper end being 
very superficial. 

The Bronchial Tubes and Air Cells. — The bronchial- 
tubes are of the same composition as the windpipe, but only 
about half the size. These, after they pass into the substance of 
the lungs, break up into other smaller tubes which pass all 
through the lungs, terminating in what are known as air cells. 
A very thin mucous membrane, which is a continuation of that 
of organs already mentioned, lines all these parts. Just inside 
this membrane is found the capillary net-work of the lungs, and 
while the blood from the heart is slowly passing through these 
capillaries it gives off to the air the carbonic acid gas, and absorbs 
the oxygen from the pure air while it is in the lungs. The object 
of the system being to purify the blood in this manner. 

The Lungs are the essential organs of respiration. They 
consist of two — right and left — spongy masses, commonly called 
"lights" and are situated in the chesc cavity. On account of the- 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 49 

heart occupying a hollow in the left lung the right is the larger, 
and is also the more frequently diseased. They are separated by a 
partition called the mediastinum, and also by the heart, by large 
blood vessels, and by the esophagus which passes on the way to the 
stomach. The structure of the lung is a light, soft, but strong and 
elastic tissue, and is full of air cells and tubes. Externally the lungs 
are covered by the pleura or serous membrane also lining the 
chest cavity. Healthy lungs float in water, and are of a rosy, 
flesh color, marked by irregular marbling or mottling. The lung of 
a foetus which has never respired will sink, but when once inflated 
will float, if healthy, as stated. This may be made useful in 
determining whether a foal was born dead or died after birth. 
The lungs are well supplied with blood vessels and nerves. 

Breathing consists in first drawing in the pure air, and in 
forcing the impure out. The first act is caused by the contrac- 
tion of muscles of the chest in such a manner as to enlarge the 
chest cavity, and on account of the space between lungs and 
chest walls being air tight, the lungs enlarge and the air rushes 
in to fill the space. These muscles then relax and others con- 
tract so as to close the chest cavity, making the lungs smaller 
and forcing out the air. 

THE URINARY ORGANS.— The urinary organs con- 
sist chiefly of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. 

The Kidneys. — These are two in number and are situated 
on the right and left of the spinal column, just beneath what is 
termed the loins or small-of-the-back. The right one is farther 
ahead than the left, lying beneath the last rib. These organs are 
full of tubes which excrete the urine from the blood while it is 
passing from the kidneys, this being their function. 

The Urine, the fluid excreted by the kidneys, consists of 
water, but holding in solution a varying quantity of earthy salts 
and a peculiar nitrogenous substance known as urea, which if 
not carried out of the system acts as a blood poison. 

The Ureters.— These are the tubes which carry the urine 
from the pelvis of the kidney down to the bladder. There are 
two of them, one from each kidney, passing back on each side of 



50 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

the hip cavity close to the walls. They enter the upper back 
part of the bladder close together. They are about the size of a 
straw. 

The Bladder.— This is situated in the pelvic or hip cavity, 
lying on the front part of its floor. It has a body and neck, the 
body being in front with neck to the rear and in connection with 
the urethra. The bladder is made up of three coats, a serous, a 
muscular and a mucous, somewhat similar to the bowels. The 
outer, serous, is a continuation of the lining of the belly cavity, 
the inner mucous. When the bladder is empty it is thrown into 
folds. The muscular coat has the power of contraction, thus 
emptying the bladder when full. The ofiice of the bladder is to 
act as a reservoir for the urine, and when full, the nerves of the 
wall are acted on in such a manner as to cause the contraction 
spoken of and consequent emptying of the bladder. The neck is 
guarded with a muscular valve which prevents passage of urine 
except when the bladder contracts. 

The Urethra is the tube that carries the water from the 
bladder to the outside. In the mare it is very short, passing 
from the bladder along and below the womb and vagina or pas- 
sage from womb to the vulva, and it opens up onto the floor of 
the vulva from four to six inches from the outside. The opening 
can be felt by the finger upon examination. In the horse the 
urethra is a great deal longer; from the bladder it passes along 
below the rectum to just below the anus; here the tube bends 
downward and forward, passing into and down to the end of the 
penis. In the horse this tube is used in connection with the 
organs of reproduction. 

THE GENERATIVE ORGANS OF THE HORSE.— 

The principal organs of generation in the horse are the testicles 
and the penis. 

The Testicles are two in number and lie in a double pouch 
called the scrotum. In fetal life they are at first situated in the 
belly cavity near the kidneys, but about the time of birth they 
descend to the scrotum through what are termed inguinal rings — 
openings at the back part of the muscles of the belly — where 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 51 

they are attached to the under part of the hip bones. The testi- 
cles are oval glandular organs and their oflBce is to secrete the 
semen. Lying upon the top part of each testicle is a narrow 
flattened body called the epididymis. The substance of the testi- 
cles is made up of small tubes, these finally uniting into a few 
tortuous tubes to form the epididymis. The vas deferens is 
formed by a union of the tubes of the epididymis and is the 
excretory duct of the testicles. It ascends along with other 
structures which together form the spermatic cord, the cord 
attaching the testicle to the body. 

The spermatic cord, one for each testicle, is composed of 
arteries, veins, lymphatics, and the vas deferens, and extends 
from the internal inguinal ring, where its component structures 
are collected together, through the inguinal canal, and into the 
scrotum, where it terminates by attaching to the testicle. It is 
cut in removing the testicle. The vesiculae seminales are two 
reservoirs situated upon the upper back part of the bladder; they 
receive the semen from the vas deferens which open into them, 
one into each. They secrete a fluid which is mixed with that 
from the testicles. During the act of copulation the semen is 
expelled from here by contraction of the walls through the ejacu- 
latory ducts into the urethra. The ejaculatory ducts are two very 
short tubes connecting the two vesiculae seminales with the 
urethra. The urethra is the tube that extends from the neck of 
the bladder to the point of the penis. It is common to both 
urinary and generative systems. 

The semen, or seminal fluid, is the generative product of the 
horse. Under the microscope it is found to contain numerous 
small living forms called spermatozoa, and when one of these meets 
the ovum of the female after copulation, it germinates, and from 
the ovum thus fertilized the foetus develops, the development 
taking place in the womb. 

The Penis is the organ of copulation and may be divided 
into root, body, and extremity or glans penis. The back part of 
it is attached to the under surface of the pelvic bones. The sub- 
stance is formed of what is called erectile tissue, which under cer- 
tain conditions becomes distended with blood. The urethra 



52 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

passes along the under side, and acts as a conductor for both the 
urine and the seminal fluid. The glans penis, or extremity, is an 
enlargement of what is called the corpus spongiosum. The sheath 
is a loose process of skin which invests the free part of the penis; 
it forms a wrinkled and folded sack, and extends from the scro- 
tum, with which it is continuous, to a varying distance forward. 
The sheath covers and protects the penis except during erection ; 
the erection is simply due to the excessive filling of the penis 
with blood. 

THE GENERATIVE ORGANS OF THE MARE.— 
The female organs of generation may be divided into the ovaries, 
with their ducts, the womb or uterus, the vagina or passage from 
the womb, and the external part which is called the vulva. 

The Ovaries correspond to the testicles of the horse; they 
are about the size and shape of a pigeon's egg; are held in place 
by ligaments and are a little behind the kidneys. At the back 
part each has a tube leading from it to the womb, called the 
Fallopian tube. Beneath the coat of each ovary lies what are 
called the graafian vesicles. Each of these sacs contain a fluid, 
and an ovum ; the fluid increases in quantity and the vesicle 
grows, and finally the wall of the ovary and of the sac gives way 
and the ovum or egg escapes into the Fallopian tube and through 
it into the womb. 

The Uterus, or Womb, is a muscular, membranous sac or 
pouch in the hip cavity between the bladder and the rectum, and 
is the organ in which the development of the young, or fcEtus, 
from the ovum takes place. It is divided into what is known as 
the body and two horns, the horns projecting forward from the 
body; the back end of the body is restricted and forms the neck; 
it is a small organ, being only about six to eight inches in length 
and a couple of inches in diameter when animal is not pregnant. It 
is lined with mucous membrane and liberally supplied with blood 
vessels and nerves. It is held in place by strong ligaments 
attached to the'sides and from there to the hip bones; these are 
called broad ligaments. At the back of the womb the neck 
opens into the vagina, the opening being called the mouth of 
the womb. 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 53 

The Vagina is a membranous canal extending from the 
womb or uterus to the exterior part or vulva, and is situated 
oetween the rectum and bladder. It is made up of two mem- 
branes, one muscular and the inner mucous. It is small at the 
outer part, but widens at its inner portion and surrounds the 
neck of the womb. It receives the penis during the copulation, 
and forms the passage of the foetus at birth. 

The Vulva is the external opening of the organs of genera- 
tion and urination, and is situated immediately below the anus. 
It is made up of two lips and a short canal leading forward from 
them In the inferior angle of the organ, in a depression on the 
floor, lies what is called the clitoris; it is similar in structure to 
the penis in the male, and becomes erected in copulation and 
after urination. The urethra opens into the passage about four 
to six inches from the external opening. 

The Hymen is an incomplete partition or membrane which 
separates the vulva from the vagina, lying immediately before 
the urethral opening. It is ruptured during the first act of 
copulation. 

The Mammary Glands, or Udder, are two glands situated 
between the thighs of the mare, the use of which is to secrete and 
hold milk for the nourishment of the new bom animal. The 
glands are covered with a smooth, thin skin, and the substance of 
them is filled with small glands and tubes. The glands are liber- 
ally supplied with blood, from which, by some mystic touch of 
nature, the milk is formed, and is conveyed to the young through 
teats on the under side of the glands, the ends of which are 
pierced by several holes for its escape. 



54 



THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



ANATOMY OF MAN AND HORSE 
COMPARED 



THE bony structure of the horse, when carefully compared with 
that of man, does not reveal those differences that one from 
superficial review might think existed. As long ago as the days of 
Aristotle the question had been given some study, and that wise 
man was enabled to state, that though the horse was a hoofed 
and apparently a single-toed animal, he nevertheless had the 
rudiments of toes enclosed in the flinty hoof which developed 
around the foot and protected it from the rough soil over which 
the animal traveled. And the parallel, when once found to exist 
in the foot of the man and the horse, is easily extended to all 
the other parts of the skeleton. In the table given below, the 
names of the different parts of the limbs of man and of the horse 
are given in parallel lines, so that one may see at a glance, those 
exactly corresponding, though called by different names. 



FRONT LIMBS. 

MAN HORSE 

Arm (Humerus) corrresponds to Lower bone of the shoulder (arm). 



Forearm 

Wrist 

Hand (Metacarpus) 

Knuckles 

Fingers 



Thigh (Femur) 

Knee 

Shin bone 

Ankle 

Foot (TMetatarus) 

Ball of the foot 

Toe 



Forearm, 

Knee. 

Cannon and splint bones. 

Fetlocks. 

Pastern and foot. 



HIND LIMBS, 

corresponds to Upper bone of the thigh. 

»' " Stifle joint. 

•• " Lower thigh or gaskin. 

" " Hock. 

" " Leg, back cannon. 

" *• Fetlock. 

" " Pastern and foot. 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



55 



PROPORTIONS OF THE HORSE 




Scale of Measurements. 

To assist in judging horses we give an outline indicating the 
proportions of the several parts. In making thischart, the average 
of six horses of perfect symmetry is combined. And while this 
will not apply to draft horses, the nearer horses of general utility 
come to the measurements the better they will be. 

INCHES. 

Height 63 

Length from shoulder-point to quarter 66 

Lowest part of chest to the ground 36 

Klbow point to the ground 39 

Withers to poll just behind the ears, in a straight line 30 

Same measure along the crest 32 

Length of head 22 

Widthacross the forehead 9^ 

From withers to the hip 22 

From stifle to point of hock, as in attitude of chart 27 

Root of tail to stifle joint 26 

Point of hock to the ground 22 J^ 

Fore arm from elbow to trapezium bone (rear bone form- 
ing articulation of the knee) 19^ 

From trapezium bone to the ground 19^ 

Girth varies from 78 to 79 

Circumference of the fore cannon bone (large metacarpal 
or shank bone extending from the knee to the fet- 
lock) "iYj, to 9 

Circumference of the fore arm just below the elbow...i6^ to 18 



56 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 



WATER AND WATERING 



IT is generally held, at least in practice, that any water that 
stock can be induced to drink, is sufficiently pure for 
their use. This practice occasions losses that would startle 
us if statistics were at hand. Water that is impure from 
the presence of decomposing organic matter, such as is found 
in wells and ponds in close proximity to manure heaps and 
cess-pools, is frequently the cause of diarrhea, dysentery, 
and many other diseases of stock, while water that is im- 
pregnated with different poisons, and contaminated with specific 
bacteria, produces death in very many instances. Smith, in his 
"Veterinary Hygiene," classes spring, deep- well water and upland 
surface water, as "wholesome;" stored rain water and surface 
water from cultivated land, as "suspicious;" and river water to 
which sewerage gains access, and shallow wells, as "dangerous." 
The practice of depending on scooped out water holes, to be 
supplied with rainwater, as is the case in some states, is decidedly 
objectionable. Pure water is clear and without taste or smell; 
much beyond that the ordinary individual cannot go in deter- 
mining water qualities, but he can use all ordinary safeguards to 
insure his animals getting water such as he would wish to drink. 

Considering the quantity that may be required by the horse, 
it may be said that when animals have access to water continually, 
they never drink to excess. When the horse is placed where he 
has to depend upon his attendant for his water supply, it may be 
stated, in a rough way, that he requires about eight gallons of 
water daily, the amount varying with the character of the food 
given, the weather and the work. 

The time of watering should be carefully studied. The 
horse should be watered at least three times a day; when at 
work, oftener, if conditions are such as to make it possible. 
There is a popular fallacy that if a horse is warm he should not 
be allowed any water, many claiming that the first swallow of 
water ' 'founders' ' the animal or produces colic. This is erroneous. 
No matter how v/arm a horse may be, it is always safe to allow 



FOOD AND FEEDING 57 

him from six to ten swallows of water, but a large quantity at 
this time is harmful. If this is given on going into the stable, 
he should be given at once a pound or two of hay and allowed to 
rest about one-half hour before watering more and feeding grain. 
When water is now offered him, it will in many cases be refused, 
or at least he will drink sparingly. The danger is not in the 
"first swallow," but in the excessive quantity the animal will 
drink when heated, if not restrained. 

Water should not be given ice-cold. In winter the water- 
troughs should stand in sheltered places and where the sun can 
shine on the water, or the chill removed with tank heaters. 

Water should always be given before feeding, unless the 
animal is too warm, in which case a little hay may be given, and 
then watered as soon as rested. If watered after a full feed the 
stomach is distended, and digestion interfered with. Water 
needs no digestion and if given before feeding passes rapidly 
from the stomach; this organ, being small, its entire capacity is 
needed for the proper digesting of the food. 



FOOD AND FEEDINQ 



HAY. — The best hay for horses is mixed clover and 
timothy, from one-half to two-thirds clover. It should be of 
a greenish color, crisp, clean, fresh, and possessing a pleasant 
aroma. Even this, if kept too long, loses part of its nourish- 
ment and becomes hard, dry, and indigestible. New hay 
should be fed with care, as it is difficult to digest, and produces 
much slavering, and occasionally purging and irritation of the 
skin. At first it is well to mix it with old hay. The second 
crop, or aftermath, is not considered good hay for horses, but 
prized by some as a food for milch cows, they claiming that it 
increases the flow of milk. Hay should be cut when in full 
flower, before the seeds fall; it becomes dry and v/oody, lacking 



58 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

nutrition, if left longer. It should remain in the field the shortest 
possible time, for if left too long in the sun, it loses color, flavor, 
and wastes. There can be no fixed time for curing, as conditions 
of weather govern, but, in order to preserve the color, aroma 
and best quality, it should be gathered as quickly as is possible. 
On the other hand, hay will spoil in the mow if not suflficiently 
cured, and the last state is worse than the first, for, as before 
stated, musty and moldy hay is productive of many disorders. 

The average horse, getting grain, should be allowed from ten 
to fifteen pounds of hay daily, but it is an error to think that 
horses at light work can subsist entirely on hay, for such animals 
will become pot-bellied, fall o£E in flesh, and will not thrive. 
Colts will grow up on a hay diet solely, into long, lean, gawky 
creatures, never making as good horses as those accustomed to 
grain in addition to hay. 

STRAW, if used at all, should be cut and mixed with hay, 
and ground or crushed grain. Wheat, rye, and oat straw are 
the ones most used, and of these the oat straw is the best. Pea 
and bean straw are sometimes fed to horses, the pea being 
preferred. 

CHAFF. — Wheat and rye chaff should never be used for 
horse feed. The beards get lodged in the mouth and throat, and 
produce more or less serious trouble. In the stomach and bowels 
they often serve as the nucleus for "soft concretions," as spoken 
of in diseases of those organs. Oat chaff, if fed in small quan- 
tities and mixed with cut hay, or corn fodder, is much liked by 
horses. Troublesome and sometimes fatal diarrhea follows, in 
some instances, the practice of allowing horses and cattle free 
access to a pile of oat chaff. 

GRAINS. — Oats take the precedence of all single grains as a 
food for horses, as the ingredients necessary for the nourishment 
of the body exist in them in the right proportions. They are, 
besides, more easily digested, and a larger proportion absorbed and 
converted into body tissue. The best oats are six to twelve months 
old, plump, hard, clean, bright and sweet. New oats are indi- 
gestible; kiln dried oats are to be refused as a rule, for the 



FOOD AND FEEDING 59 

drying process injures them. Sprouted or fermented oats should 
never be fed. Crushed oats are the best for old horses and those 
having bad teeth. Horses that "bolt" their food are best fed on 
crushed oats, and out of a manger large enough to allow spreading 
the grain in a thin layer. 

A mixed grain ration, composed of a mixture of oats, corn 
and bran is better than any single grain; a mixture of two parts 
each of corn and oats and one part bran, by weight, is good, or 
equal parts of each. During very hard work the addition of from 
one-half to one pound of linseed meal or gluten feed to each ration 
is of great value. 

The average horse requires, in addition to his hay ration, from 
four to twelve pounds of grain daily, depending upon the amount 
of work being done. The best oats are cut about one week be- 
fore being fully ripe. Not only is the grain richer in nutritive 
properties, but there is less waste from scattering than if left to 
become dead ripe. Moldy oats, like hay and straw, are productive 
of digestive diseases. 

Wheat and rye are not to be used as food for horses except 
in small quantities, bruised or crushed, and fed with other grains 
or hay. If fed alone in any considerable amounts, they are almost 
sure to produce digestive diseases, founder and like troubles. 
They should never constitute more than one- fourth of the grain 
allowance, and best be ground. 

Bran of wheat is an excellent food for horses. It should not be 
depended upon and given alone, but should be fed with other grains. 
It keeps the bowels free. If sour, it should not be used, as it will 
disorder the stomach and intestines and may produce serious re- 
sults. It is better to make it a part of each day's ration than to 
feed it once or twice a week as is so often done. 

Corn is not a suitable grain as exclusive food for young 
horses especially, as it is deficient in mineral salts. It may be 
fed either whole or ground. If fed whole, feed on the cob. 
Horses unaccustomed to corn should be fed in small amount at 
first, gradually increasing the amount; otherwise an attack of 
indigestion may result. 

lyinseed, ground, is occasionally fed with other food to keep 
the bowels open and improve skin conditions. It is particularly^ 



6o THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

good during convalescence, when bowels are sluggish in action. 
I^inseed tea is very often given in irritable conditions of the 
digestive tract. 

ROOTS. — Potatoes are used for horse food in many sections, 
If fed raw and in large quantities they are apt to produce indi- 
gestion. Their digestibility is favored by steaming or boiling. 
In common with other roots they are slightly laxative. Beets are 
not much used for horses. Carrots make excellent food, especially 
during sickness. They improve the appetite and slightly increase 
action of bowels and kidneys; improve the coat, and some claim 
that chronic cough has been cured by their use. They may be 
considered as an adjunct to other foods, and fed in small quanti- 
ties with benefit. 

GRASSES. — Grass is the natural food of horses. It is com- 
posed of a great variety of plants, differing widely in amount of 
nourishment contained, some being almost without food value, 
and others eaten only when nothing else is obtainable. Some are 
injurious and even poisonous. None of the grasses are sufiicient 
to keep a horse in work. Horses thus fed are "soft"' sweat easily, 
purge, and soon tire on the road. To growing stock it is indis- 
pensable, and it acts as an alterative to horses that are fed on hay 
and grain. It must be fed to grain and hay fed animals in small 
amounts at the outset. The stomach and bowels undergo rest, 
and recuperate, if the horse is turned to grass for a time each 
year. During febrile diseases grass acts almost as a medicine, 
lessening fever and favoring recovery; wounds heal more rapidly 
than when on grain, and some chronic diseases disappear entirely 
when at grass. If fed to him it should be fresh cut, but where 
possible he should be allowed to crop it himself; thus enjoying 
not only the herbage in its native condition, but the air, and 
sense of freedom as well. 

PREPARATION OF FOODS.— Foods are prepared for 
feeding for any of the following reasons: To render it more 
easily eaten; to make it more digestible; to economize in amount; 
to give it some new quality; to preserve it. 



FOOD AND FEEDING 6i 

The dififerent grains are more easily eaten when ground, 
crushed, or even boiled. Rye or wheat should never be given 
whole, and there is less waste when corn is ground; and again, 
corn in common with other grains is easier digested than when fed. 
whole. Hay and fodder are economized when cut in short pieces. 
Not only will the horse eat the necessary amount in less time, 
but it will be found that there is less waste, and the mastication 
of grains — whole or ground — fed with them is assured. Feeding 
the grain mixed with cut hay or fodder is a good way to feed 
horses that bolt their food. 

One objection to feeding cut hay mixed with ground or 
crushed grain and wetted, during the hot months, must not be 
overlooked. Such food is apt to undergo fermentation unless fed 
at once, and the mixing trough even, unless often scalded and 
cleaned, becomes sour, and enough of its scrapings are given with 
the food to produce wind colic. A small amount of salt should 
always be mixed with such food. 

Improper feeding and watering doubtless accounts for over 
one-half the digestive disorders met with in the horse, hence the 
reader cannot fail to see the importance of having some proper 
ideas concerning these subjects. 

In this land, horses are fed chiefly on hay, grass, roots, oats, 
com, wheat and rye, and many think they could subsist on 
nothing else. We are told, by authority, that in some sterile 
countries horses live on dried fish, and even vegetable mold. In 
Arabia they are fed on milk, flesh-balls, eggs and broth; while in 
some of the countries of the far east, salt, pepper, and other 
spices are made into balls with flour and butter, and these are 
supposed to produce animation and to make a fine coat. 

In the selection of food for horses, we should remember the 
arrangem.ent of the digestive organs, as well as the functions of 
each. Food must be wholesome, clean and sweet; the hours of 
feeding regular; the best methods of preparing adhered to; and 
cleanliness observed in both the preparation and the feeding. 
The length of stomach digestion varies with different foods. Hay 
and straw pass out of the stomach quicker than oats. For this 
reason oats should be given after hay, for if reversed, the hay 
will carry the oats out of the stomach before being fully acted 



62 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

upon, and indigestion is the result. Another reason why hay is 
best first, especially if hungry, is that it requires more time for 
mastication and cannot be bolted as are the grains. Water should 
never be given soon after eating, as it washes the food from the 
stomach, before it is ready for intestinal indigestion. 

The stomach begins to empty itself very soon after beginning 
to eat, and continues rapidly during the meal. Afterward the 
passage is slower and several hours are required for the stomach 
to empty itself. The work to be done, should direct in food 
selection. Rapid or severe labor cannot be done on a full 
stomach. Horses doing work of an exhausting character, should 
be fed small quantities, and about two hours before going to their 
work. Even slow work horses should not be fed bulky, innutri- 
tions foods in large measure, just before going to work. The 
small stomach of the horse would seem to lead us to the con- 
clusion that he should be fed in small quantities and often, which 
in reality should be done. The disproportion between size of 
stomach and amount of water drank tells us that the horse 
should be watered before feeding. Feeding too soon after a hard 
day's work is one of the common errors of feeding, and one that 
produces more digestive disorders than any other. A small 
quantity of hay may be given, but grain should not be given 
for one-half hour or more. The same rule holds for horses 
that have fasted for a long time; for if allowed to eat too much 
the stomach becomes engorged, its walls paralyzed and colic is 
sure to follow. Horses should be fed three or four times a day; 
nor will it do to feed concentrated food alone. Bulky foods must 
be given to detain the grains in their passage through the bowels; 
bulk also favors distension, and thus mechanically aids absorp- 
tion. To horses doing slow work, chopped or cut hay fed with 
crushed oats, ground corn, etc., is the best manner of feeding, 
as it gives the required bulk, saves time and half the labor of 
feeding. 

Sudden changes in diet are always dangerous — when making 
a change of food, do so gradually. A sudden change from oats 
to a full meal of corn will most likely sicken him. An increase 
in the usual food must be done gradually. Quantity must be in 
proportion to work. If a horse is to do less work, or rests 



FOOD AND FEEDING 63 

entirely for a few days, give less food. Were this done from 
Saturday night to Monday, there would be fewer cases of "Mon- 
day morning sickness," such as lymphangitis and colic. Foods 
should also be more laxative in nature when a horse is idle. 
Don't feed musty or moldy foods; they are the cause of several 
diseases. Musty hay is thought to produce disorder of the 
kidneys; and the effect of smutted grasses and grains on pregnant 
mares is pretty well known. 

Do not exercise a horse violently immediately after feeding. 
The digestive organs require time for digesting the food before 
the blood is called away to nourish the muscles. 

How to Make Mashes. — Take 4 quarts of good bran, 
moisten it gradually with hot water, then add boiling water to 
the desired consistency. Cover with a cloth and give to animal 
when cool enough. A little salt may be added if wished. 

Another good mash is made by boiling 2 quarts of ground 
oats and i pint flaxseed and a little salt with plenty of water 
for three hours. Then mix with it bran enough to be of desired 
consistency. This is enough for a horse, and when a team has 
been on dry feed, is good for a Sunday morning meal. 

How to Make Gruel. — Stir i pint or more of oatmeal gradu- 
ally into 4 quarts of cold water. Fine cornmeal and flour in 
equal parts may be substituted when oatmeal is not available. 
Then fill up the pail in which it is mixed, with water, and give to 
animal at once. Good for a tired horse. 

How to Make Hay Tea. — Fill up a bucket with the best 
of hay. Pour over it boiling water to fill the pail. Cover and let 
stand, pressing the hay down occasionally, or set on the stove to 
keep hot while pressing. In fifteen minutes it will be steeped. 
Pour off water into another bucket, and add enough cold water 
to make 6 or 7 quarts. Give to the horse when cool enough to 
drink. Excellent for tired horses. 



THE HORSE 

DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT 



ANTISEPTICS. — Antiseptics are substances applied to 
wounds or sores to assist in the process of healing by destroying 
the germs which materially interfere with the process. They are 
used in solutions, are mixed with some fatty medium, as an oint- 
ment, or are dusted on dry in the form of powder. Though 
commonly called "healing remedies," antiseptics possess no true 
healing properties; the healing process being accomplished only 
by the living cells of the tissues. They, however, destroy or 
prevent the growth of germs, which by gaining entrance to sores 
and wounds, grow and multiply, irritating the wounds, injuring 
and destroying the living cells of the animal tissues, and often 
form poisons that may be taken up by the blood and cause injury 
or death from blood poisoning. "Were it not for germs, no wound 
would be fatal unless some vital organ was mechanically crippled, 
and all wounds would heal without complications. Ordinarily, 
wounds, abscesses, and sores, afford ideal conditions for the 
growth of germs, and unless carefully treated are swarming with 
them. The office of antiseptics is to destroy these germs. 

Practically all antiseptics are poisonous if used in concen- 
trated form, and would burn and destroy the tissues, consequently 
they are used in such a strength as will destroy the bacteria 
without injuring the living cells of the body. To wounds, anti- 
septics are usually applied in solution, as in this form they 
penetrate deeper into the wound, and their strength is easily 
estimated; besides, they often possess other properties than as 
germicides. They are applied as washes by saturating cotton or 
other material and placing in or on the wound, and by injecting it, 
in the case of deep wounds, with a syringe. In general it ia 
more satisfactory to use antiseptics freely and often without 
disturbing the wound. If they do not prove satisfactory either 

64 




GIVING A DRENCH. 

See pages 7n and 3;>'. 





Pleurisy 

Note drawn up or sunken position 

of abdomen. 

See j^age 01. 



SocKOTAL Hernia 
See page 1S2. 





Pneumonia 
Horse has a haggard loolc, anxious eye and 
labored breathing. 
See page HO. 



Acute Indigestion 
See page llo. 




Sevkrb Spasmodic Colic 
See page 115. 



Spasmodic Colic 
Seepage 110. 




Inflammation of Bladukr 
See page 135. 



Acute Inflammation ov Kidneys 
See page l.:2. 




Chronic Inflammation of Kidneys 
See pa<,e !,!■:. 




Inflammation of Bowels 

Getting down slowly and hesitatingly 

—a symptom 

See page US. 





Chronic Inflammation of Kidneys 
Seepage 13-:. 



The Way to Poultice the Lungs 
As used in lung diseases. 




Fistulous Withers 
See page i'08. 



Dislocation of the Patella, 

or Stifled 

See page ,?;'.;. 




Stiflk-Joint Lameness 
See page Su.l. 



Fracture of the Femur 
See page S8!2. 





Nasal Gleet— both Nostrils 
See page lH. 



Lymphangitis — Weed in-the-Lkg 
See page S30. 





Open Joint 
See page ^OO. 



Capped Elbo 
See page SSI. 





Splints 
See page »';> 



Sprain of Radial Ligament 
See Oeneral Treatment of Sprains. 





Bog Spavin 
See page S9G. 



Enlargement op Fetlocks, 
or Wind Gall 

See page 291. 





Capped Hock 
See page 2'jS. 



Anchylosis of Fetlock Joint 

The natural termination and cure for 

bone lanoeness, such as ring bone 

and spavin, is anchylosis— a 

stiflfeniner or solidifying 

of the joint. 



Grease Heel 
See page SO/,. 




Acute Farcy 
See page 19k. 




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DISEASES OF THE HORSE 65 

increase strength or try a different antiseptic. Again, all anti- 
septics do not work equally well in all cases. In apparently 
similar wounds the results will not be the same with one kind of 
antiseptic — one will heal finely and the other make no progress. 
In unfavorable cases, change the antiseptic. 

Corrosive Sublimate, or Bichloride of Mercury, is probably the 
leading antiseptic. It comes in tablet form, with directions for 
amount of water in which to be dissolved. The principal objec- 
tion to this drug is its corrosive effect on metals, and the fact 
that it is a powerful poison. It should always be plainly 
labeled, and kept where children cannot get to it. It is generally 
used in the strength of i part Corrosive Sublimate to 1,000 parts 
of water (i drachm to 4 quarts) for external application. 

Carbolic Acid is one of the most frequently used antiseptics. 
It is dissolved in water, and used in strengths varying from 2^ 
to 5 per cent. One part of acid to 30 parts of water is one of the 
frequently used proportions. For a strong antiseptic or a disin- 
fectant, I part of Carbolic Acid to 20 parts of water or a 5 per 
cent, solution, is used. Pure Carbolic Acid is caustic, and will 
destroy tissue by burning. Carbolic Acid is poisonous. 

Sulphate of Copper, also called "Blue-Stone" and "Blue- 
Vitriol," is a mild antiseptic and in addition is astringent — tends 
to pucker the tissues. It can be used in solution in the strength 
of from 2 to 4 drachms to the pint of water. For certain pur- 
poses, as old wounds, it can be made much stronger. When 
powdered and dusted on a wound, it acts as a caustic; a crystal 
of it rubbed on a surface acts as a caustic, and is useful to check 
bleeding. An ointment, to dress old sores, can be made by mix- 
ing I part finely powdered Blue-Stone and i part of Sulphur, with 
4 parts of fresh lard or vaseline. This drug is the principal 
ingredient in the Bordeaux mixture, so much used for spraying. 

Sulphate of Zinc, also called "White Vitriol," is an antiseptic 
and an astringent, and is used in the strength of one part of the 
Zinc Sulphate to 30 to 60 parts of water, or 2 to 4 drachms to a 
pint of water. Six drachms of Sulphate of Zinc and i ounce 
Acetate of Lead (Sugar of Lead) dissolved in a pint of water, is 
a fine remedy and one that is much used in veterinary practice. 



66 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

It is called "White Lotion," Should be well shaken before 
applying. Internally it is a poison. 

An excellent antiseptic ointment for use on sores or irritated 
conditions of the skin, is made by combining i part of Oxide of 
Zinc and a little Carbolic Acid with 5 parts fresh Lard or 
Vaseline. The Benzoated Oxide of Zinc Ointment, in the back 
part of this book, is also a very fine preparation. 

Creolin is a good, cheap and popular antiseptic and deodor- 
izer, and is referred to in many places in this work. It is mixed 
with water in the proportions of i to 3 parts to 100 parts of 
water. 

Powdered antiseptics, as already noted, are much used. Of 
these. Iodoform is much used for dusting on wounds and sores, but 
is somewhat barred because of odor and expense. Boric Acid is 
another good antiseptic that is used in powder form. It may also 
be used in solution of 20 grains of acid to i ounce of water, and 
in this form it makes an excellent wash for the eye, for the 
mouth, and for other cavities, as it is practically non-poisonous. 
Lime, finely pulverized and air-slaked, is extensively used for 
dusting on sores, harness-galls, and suppurating surfaces, and 
when so used gives good results. 

Antiseptics are applied in ointment form, when the part is 
hard, dry, and irritated; the combination of fat and medicine 
seeming to soften and soothe the part. In powdered form, dusted 
over the surface of a sore, antiseptics are valuable in drying up 
discharges and keeping the sores dry and free from odor. Some- 
times the antiseptic is mixed with some sticky substance, such as 
pitch or tar, and may be valuable in keeping dirt out of wound; 
but care must be taken that such applications do not prevent the 
free escape of pus. 

The coal-tar preparations put out by different firms are very 
good antiseptics. Among these are Zenoleum, Kreso, and others. 
They are used in the strength of i part to 20 to 50 parts of 
water. 

DISINFECTION. — This consists in destroying the germs 
or virus of a disease. When an animal has been suffering from a 
contagious disease, it is necessary to disinfect the quarters and 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 67 

all utensils, instruments, harness and equipment that may have 
become infected with the disease germs. First, remove all litter, 
rubbish, and loose material of little value from the stable and 
burn them. Then thoroughly scrub the walls, floors, ceilings, 
mangers, pails, and other utensils with a solution made by mix- 
ing I part of Carbolic Acid with 30 parts of water — about a 3 per 
cent, solution. When this is dry, walls and mangers may be 
whitewashed, using the whitewash hot. Corrosive Sublimate, or 
Bichloride of Mercury, i part to 1,000 parts of water (i drachm 
to 4 quarts) can be used instead of the Carbolic solution, but must 
not be used on metal, as it is very corroding. One part of Creolin 
in 30 parts of water is also a good disinfectant, and has the added 
good quality of not being poisonous . Don' t let Corrosive Sublimate 
or Carbolic Acid get on food which animals may eat. Bright sun- 
light is an excellent disinfectant and should be admitted wherever 
possible. All infected materials, and especially bodies of animals 
that have died of disease, should be either burned or buried deep, 
covering with lyime before the dirt is thrown on, to prevent 
further spread of disease. Dogs, crows, and other animals fre- 
quently dig up and carry off parts of carcasses, where burying is 
not properly done. Infection is also carried by streams of water, 
by stock cars, and by litter that has been used in the cars. 

Fumigating a stable is also a good method of disinfection, 
and can be used in connection with the foregoing. To have the 
fumigating effectual, the room must be fairly tight. Sulphur is 
perhaps the most convenient substance to use for fumigating; 
Formalin is also used, and is very effectual, but needs a special 
appliance in order to use it. 

To fumigate with Sulphur, fill an ordinary galvanized iron 
pail half full of ashes or dirt, making the top of the material 
saucer-shaped; place the pail in a tub of water, having the water 
come up as high on the side of the pail as possible; put the Sul- 
phur in the pail; when everything is ready, pour over the Sulphur 
a little wood alcohol, or have under it a few rags saturated with 
kerosene, the alcohol is better and safer; light the alcohol and 
leave the stable, closing the door. Bum three pounds of Sul- 
phur to each thousand cubic feet of space; if more than three 
pounds are required, bum in separate dishes. Leave the building 



68 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

closed for twenty-four hours, then open, and air out freely. 
The fumigation will be more effectual if the walls are first well 
sprinkled with water. 

FOMENTATIONS.— These are applications of hot or cold 
water to a part. The application is generally made for from one- 
half to one hour at a time, though often for a longer period. The 
water may be applied as hot as can be comfortably borne, and the 
temperature can be kept up by adding hot water frequently. The 
application may be made with sponges, cloths, or even with the 
hands, while at the same time the part is gently rubbed. The 
best is to surround the part thickly with woolen cloths and keep 
these wet. Fomentations should be applied two to three times 
daily. They are much used to lessen inflammation, pain, and 
swelling of recent injuries, or for any badly irritated part. They 
are used with good results in inflammation of the udder and 
other glands. Cold water is also excellent to relieve inflamma- 
tion, especially when the part is badly congested. It can be 
applied with cold, wet cloths, or by allowing cold water to drip 
upon it by irrigation. In some cases, applying the cold water 
with considerable force, as a stream from a hose nozzle, and then 
rubbing briskly, has an excellent effect in toning up debilitated 
parts and relieving congestion. Cold is also applied to an 
inflamed part by using a bag of cracked ice. 

The principal point in connection with the use of fomen- 
tations is that the water should be either hot or cold, lukewarm 
applications are of no value; and in order to get the most good 
from them they should be continued for some time, in many 
cases almost continuously. 

NURSING AND FEEDING SICK ANIMALS.— As in 

the case of human beings, the proper nursing and food has much 
to do in the recovery of animals from spells of sickness. In the 
first place, make your animal as comfortable as possible, warm in 
the winter and cool in the summer. Give him plenty of fresh air 
to breathe, but avoid drafts in all cases. Woolen blankets in 
the winter, and linen sheets and nets are needed in summer. 
Hoods to cover the head and neck are sometimes required in cold 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 69 

weather. The proper temperature for the stable that is used for 
sick animals is from 55 to 60 F. In case of weak lambs or sick 
dogs a room ranging from 62 to 70 F. is better. 

The question of drainage is also important, and the location 
shonld be as high as circumstances will permit. 

The food should be simple, clean, nutritious, easy of diges- 
tion, by being cooked, changed occasionally and administered 
often and in small quantities. Give green food when it can be 
had. Oats, corn, bran, shorts, etc., may be scalded with boiling 
water, covered and left to steam until cold, and then given. The 
grain should be ground in all cases if possible. Hay and water 
should always be given in liberal quantities, and both should be 
of first quality. Warm milk for calves, and the same diluted 
and sweetened for lambs and colts; beef tea, raw eggs, porridge 
of either oat or corn meal and milk for dogs, and the same for 
pigs will be found the best diet. Bear in mind what has been 
said about feeding often and in small measure, but be careful not 
to over- feed, as that may put the patient back and increase fever. 
Horses, cattle, etc., need to be fed three or four times a day; 
colts, calves, lambs, dogs, etc., every two to four hours. Fever 
patients should have water so they can help themselves. Those 
suffering from diarrhea or excessive purgation should be watered 
four or five times a day, but in less measure. Plenty of rest 
should be given sick animals. Many cases prove fatal from being 
worked too long after being taken sick, or from being put to 
work too soon after recovering from a spell of sickness. 

FORMS OF MEDICINE AND WAYS OF GIVING 
THEM. — Medicines may be given by any of the following 
channels: By the mouth; by the air passages and lungs; by the 
skin; under the skin; and by the rectum. 

By Mouth. — Medicines are given in powders, balls, 
drenches, and electuaries or pastes. 

Powders. — These should be finely pulverized in order to be 
rapidly dissolved and absorbed. They should be free from any 
irritant or caustic action on the mouth. If agreeable to taste 
and smell they are readily taken in feed or drinking water. 



70 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

When placed in the feed, the food should be first moistened and 
then the medicine mixed in the feed. When mixed dry the horse 
will often leave the medicine in the manger bottom. If very 
small they can be placed well back on the tongue. It is always 
best, when possible, to give in food or drink to avoid worrying the 
animal. 

Balls. — Make into the shape of a cylinder, about two inches 
long and three-quarter inches in diameter. They should be fresh 
and mixed with honey, syrup, molasses, or some such agent, using 
linseed meal, if necessary, to give consistency and body. If neces- 
sary to keep some time, use glycerine so they will not harden, or 
they will lose their virtue. Wrap in oiled tissue paper for ease in 
swallowing. Gelatine capsules are sometimes used. Balls are 
best when medicine is disagreeable; when dose is not too large; 
when horse is ugly to drench; and when medicine is intended to 
act slowly. Oils or caustic substances should not be given 
this way. 

Balls may be given by "balling gun" or given by hand. 
Always loosen horse before giving; if tied he may hurt himself 
or the person in attendance. It is easier, after a little practice, to 
give without using gag, as the horse does not like force in getting 
his mouth opened. Grasp the tongue firmly with the left hand 
and pull gently forward; moisten the ball slightly, and place with 
the tips of the fingers of the right hand as far back in the mouth 
as is possible; as tongue is loosened, it is drawn back into the 
mouth and carries the ball with it. Keep the mouth closed for a 
moment or two. Always offer water to drink after balling; it 
may prevent coughing up, or lodging in the gullet 

Drenches. — When medicine is given as a drench, only 
enough oil or water should be used to thoroughly dissolve or 
dilute it. Insoluble medicines, if not irritating or corrosive, may 
be put in water, or better, thin gruel; the bottle to be well shaken 
before giving it. Strong or irritating liquids such as turpentine, 
croton oil, etc., should be mixed with olive or linseed oil, or 
milk beaten with eggs. 

To administer, put the medicine in a drenching bottle or 
horn. A champagne or ale bottle holding about a quart, strongs 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 71 

clean and smooth will answer. A horn or tin bottle is better on 
account of not breaking. If dose is small, the horse's head may 
be held up by the left while the medicine is poured by the right 
hand. The left thumb is placed in the angle of the lower jaw; 
the fingers spread out in such a way as to support the lower lip. 
If dose is large, the horse ugly, or the attendant unable to sup- 
port the head as directed above, then have the head held up by 
a loop made in a rope, and slipped over the upper jaw just behind 
the front teeth, the free end being held up by passing through a 
pulley, or over a beam, or through a ring fastened to the ceiling. 
It should never be fastened, as the horse might hurt himself. 
Elevate head enough to prevent horse from throwing liquid from 
his mouth. The line of face should be raised a trifle more than 
horizontal, but not much, or it will be hard for horse to swallow. 
Person giving drench should stand on something in order to 
reach horse's mouth on a level, or a little above. Introduce bottle 
at the side of the mouth in front of the molar teeth, in an upward 
direction. This will cause horse to open his mouth, when base 
of bottle is suddenly elevated and about 4 ounces of liquid allowed 
to run out on the tongue as far back as possible, care being taken 
to keep bottle from between back teeth. Take out bottle, and if 
horse does not swallow, encourage same by rubbing the roof of 
mouth with fingers or neck of bottle, occasionally removing 
them. Repeat, when this is swallowed, and continue until all is 
taken. If coughing occurs, or if by mishap the bottle is broken, 
lower the head at once. Don't rub, pinch, or pound the throat, 
or draw out tongue. Be patient. Drenches must never be given 
through the nose to a horse. If horse is hard to drench, put a 
twist on upper lip. 

Electuaries, or Pastes, are medicines mostly mixed with 
licorice-root powder, flour and molasses, or syrup, to the con- 
sistency of honey, or a "soft-solid." They are intended chiefly 
to act locally on the mouth and throat. They are to be given 
with a wooden paddle, or a strong, long-handled spoon. 

By the Nose. — These are administered by the upper air pas- 
sages and lungs, by inhalation, and the nasal douche. Inhalation 
is used for volatile medicines, and for medicated steam or vapor. 



72 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

Medicated vapors are to be inhaled by placing a bucket contain- 
ing hot water, or vinegar and water, or scalded hay or bran, to 
which Carbolic Acid, Iodine, or other medicines have been added, 
in the bottom of a grain bag; the horse's nose is then inserted in 
the top of the bag, and he inhales the medicated steam or vapor; 
or better yet, convey the steam from a kettle through a rubber 
tube to the bottom of the bag. Two large holes should be cut 
in the bag opposite the nostrils. Care must be taken that it is 
not too hot. Or inhalation may be effected by putting the head 
over the bucket, throwing some light covering over the head, but 
not entirely shutting off air supply. 

The ' 'nasal douche' ' is used in some local diseases of the nasal 
chambers. Take a piece of one-half inch hose, about one inch 
from one end wrap a piece of cloth around it a number of times 
to form a collar a little larger than the nostril. Put a funnel in 
the other end of the hose; place the end with the collar in the 
nostril, pressing the collar up against the nostril, elevate the fun- 
nel and pour the douche into it; it will fill the nostril, run over 
the upper end of the partition and come out of the other nostril. 
Keep the head low when giving a douche. 

By the Skin. — Medicines are often applied to the skin, yet 
care must be observed when applying over the entire skin such 
remedies as Tobacco water. Carbolic Acid, acid solutions, etc., as 
poisoning and death have sometimes resulted. Poisonous medi- 
cines should not be applied over very large, raw or abraded sur- 
faces. 

Under the Skin. — Hypodermic Method. — Medicines are 
frequently given by the hypodermic syringe, under the skin. 
Medicines so used must be non-irritating and in small doses. 
Pinch up a fold of the skin, thrust the needle through it and 
empty the syringe. The neck or shoulder is the best to inject as 
the skin is loose in these regions. 

By the Rectum. — When medicines cannot be given or 
retained by mouth, they may be given by way of the rectum. 
When we want a local action in the last gut, to destroy the small 
worms infesting the large bowels, to stimulate the action of the 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 73 

intestines and evacuate the bowels, and to nourish the body, we 
resort to enemas or injections, or to suppositories. 

Injections, when given merely for absorption, should be 
small in quantity, neutral or slightly acid in reaction, and at a 
temperature of the blood. These, like foods by rectum, should 
only be injected after the last bowel has been cleared, either by 
hand or by copious enemas of tepid water. When given to 
assist a physic given by mouth, it should be large enough to dis- 
tend the bowel and cause horse to eject them. Simple water, salt 
and water, or soap and water, in quantities of a gallon or more, 
should be given every half hour. They should be retained for a 
time to moisten the dung and favor passage. Stimulating injec- 
tions (Turpentine, i to 2 ounces, in lyinseed Oil, 16 ounces) 
should be used after those already mentioned have emptied the 
last bowel, to still further increase the worm-like movement of 
the intestines, and rid the purging medicine. 

To give an injection take four to six feet of one-half inch 
garden hose; in one end place a funnel, oil the other end and 
insert it into the rectum, gently press it in as far as it will go 
easily, elevate the funnel and pour the injection into it. After 
some of the injection has passed into the rectum the hose can 
generally be pushed in still further. After the injection has 
all passed in gently withdraw the hose. This is a much better 
way of giving an injection than with a pump. 

HOW OFTEN TO GIVE MEDICINES — Medicines 
given to reduce fever, such as Aconite, Spirits of Niter, solution 
Nitrate or Chlorate of Potash, or any form of Ammonia, should 
be repeated as often as every two hours in bad cases, and from 
that to three to four times a day in mild cases. Alteratives may 
be repeated once or twice a day. Purgatives may be repeated 
after twenty to thirty hours in bad cases, and after forty to forty- 
•eight hours in mild cases. Tonics may be repeated once, twice or 
thrice a day. Stimulants, especially alcoholic, may be repeated 
after two to six hours. Doses that cause contraction of the 
womb may be repeated after an half hour. Anodynes may be 
repeated after an half hour, and other remedies as required in the 
case. 



74 THE PRACTlCAlv STOCK DOCTOR 

SOME POINTS IN DETERMINING THE NATURE 
OF A DISEASE. — If the horse is standing with head hang- 
ing down, eating very little, breathing heavily, and coughing, 
there is evidently some trouble with organs of respiration. 
Should the animal be in severe pain, getting up and down, 
rolling about the stall, and slightly bloated, it is safe to con- 
clude that there is some trouble with the stomach or bowels. 
Again, should it be that the horse has a straddling gait, 
attempts to make water often, passes out and draws in the 
penis, and sometimes stamps with the hind legs, there is evi- 
dently some trouble with the kidneys or bladder. If you do 
not see the horse when first taken, find out if possible how 
long he has been ailing; how he has been acting; and what 
he has done that might act as a cause. This will help you to 
give an idea as to what set of organs to examine first. In all 
cases try the pulse, and take the temperature. The oftener the 
pulse beats above the normal and the higher the temperature 
rises the more serious the case is likely to be. When you have 
found out the organs affected, the symptoms of diseases in that 
department will probably enable you to determine the nature of 
the complaint so that you may successfully use the treatment 
therein given. 

THE PULSE. — The pulse is very important in diagnosing 
disease and especially in determining the seriousness of disease. 
The pulse indicates the action of the heart. It is generally taken 
on the underside of the lower jaw just in front of the angle; by 
running the fingers along this region, a small cord-like structure 
will be felt, press this gently and the beating will be recognized. 
Aside from counting the beats per minute, also notice the soft- 
ness or hardness of the pulse, that is, does the artery feel fairly 
soft, or hard like a wire; the regularity is also noticed. The 
healthy pulse of the horse is fairly soft, full, regular, and beats 
from 36 to 40 times a minute. In order to become proficient in 
recognizing an unhealthy condition of the pulse, take the pulse 
of healthy animals a large number of times. 

THE TEMPERATURE.— The temperature is another 
very important condition in diagnosing disease. It often has to 



. DISEASES OF THE HORSK 75 

be used to distinguish between different disorders; without taking 
the temperature, we can form but little idea as to the location 
or seriousness of the trouble. By temperature is meant the tem- 
perature of the internal organs, regardless of the external sur- 
roundings, and during health will vary but little. It is taken by 
means of a clinical thermometer; this thermometer is so arranged 
that the column of mercury remains at the same point when 
changed to a colder place, and so the reading does not change 
when taken from the animal. The thermometers are graduated 
to one-fifth degrees. In the lower animals it is best to take the 
temperature at the rectum. First, shake the thermometer until it 
reads below loo degrees, then insert it into the rectum and press 
it to one side so the bulb will lie against the rectal wall. Leave 
the thermometer in the rectum two minutes. The normal tempera- 
ture of the horse is loo degrees, and during health will rarely 
vary more than i to i J^ degrees. Violent exercise may cause it 
to rise a little; it is also higher after a full meal. A rise of tem- 
perature is spoken of as fever. A rise of 5 or 6 degrees is 
serious, and a rise of 7 or 8 degrees will result in death, unless 
lowered in a short time. In some diseases the temperature is 
below normal. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY OR 
BREATHING ORGANS 



CATARRH, OR COLD IN THE HE AD.— Catarrh 

means a congestion or inflammation with a discharge from any 
mucous membrane. This form is an inflammation of the mucous 
membrane of the nasal cavities, and often extends into the pas- 
sages of the head, involving the eyes as well, the lining membrane 
of which is but a continuation of that of the nose, the flow of 
tears down the cheek being caused by the closing of the tear duct 
into the nose by inflammation. 



76 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Caiises. — Exposure to storms, cold winds, standing in drafts 
while warm after driving, inhaling smoke or gases, etc. 

Sympto?ns. — At first the membrane is dry, congested and 
irritable, the color being much deeper than normal ; following 
this there is a watery discharge from the nose, and often also 
from the eyes, the tears flowing down the cheeks; more or less 
fever; animal may be dull; more or less sneezing, but does not 
cough unless the throat is affected; expels the air forcibly through 
his nostrils as though "blowing his nose." In a few days the 
discharge from the nose becomes a thick, yellowish-white, and is 
more or less profuse. Sometimes the appetite is lost and animal 
becomes debilitated. 

Treatment. — 

Give good care and attention lest it run into something 
serious. A few days rest, with pure air and good food, will 
accomplish more than medication while horse is excited and ex- 
posed to draughts and changes of temperature. Steam the 
animal's head over a bucket of boiling water, stirring water with 
a wisp of hay to make steam rise better; or a more efficient way 
to steam the head is to take a canvas bag large enough to slip 
over the horse's nose and from two to three feet long; slip the 
nose into this bag and hold it in place by a strap over the head, 
opposite the nostrils cut two holes an inch and one-half in diam- 
eter. For generating steam use a tea-kettle; into the spout of the 
tea-kettle fit a cork through which is passed a piece of glass tub- 
ing; to the glass tube fit a piece of rubber tubing from three to 
six feet long; place the other end of the tubing in a small hole in 
the bottom of the nose bag, and the steam as it is generated will 
pass into the bag through the tubing. Generate the steam by 
placing the kettle on a small gasoline or oil burner. Regulate 
the flow of steam by the blaze or by lifting the cover of the 
kettle. While pure steam is good, medicated steam is better. 
To medicate, put into the water, after it begins to boil. Camphor 
Gum, a piece as large as a hickory nut, 2 teaspoonfuls Fluid Ex- 
tract Belladonna, or a half teaspoonful of Carbolic Acid; any one 
or all three maybe used. Use a little care at first not to frighten 
the horse; also be careful and not burn the nose. Repeat three 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 77 

times a day for one hour or more each time. Give bran mashes, 
scalded oats, linseed gruel and grass, if in season. If constipated, 
give injections of warm water into the rectum three or four times 
a day, and a pint of Raw lyinseed Oil once a day, but do not give 
purgatives. 

If there is fever, give the following: 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract Aconite 2 drachms. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Alcohol 6 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: i ounce three to five times a day. 

If the discharge continues after a week or two, give night 
and morning a tablespoon, level full, of a mixture composed of 
equal parts of Sulphate of Iron and Saltpeter. Give in moistened 
grain. 

If the animal is unthrifty, give at noon the tonic recom- 
mended for "Chronic Indigestion." 

NASAL GLEET, OR CHRONIC CATARRH.— This 

is chronic inflammation of some part of the membrane affected in 
common cold. 

Causes. — Neglected or obstinate catarrh, that will not yield 
to treatment, are the usual causes, though it may arise from frac- 
tures, and from diseased bones or teeth. 

Symptoms. — The long continued discharge, which varies in 
quantity, according to circumstances attendant — the cause of the 
trouble and part affected — indicates the disease. Horses have 
sometimes been condemned as glandered, who have had nasal 
gleet only. It is not contagious, nor dangerous, but sometimes 
difficult to cure. The glands under and between the lower jaw 
may be enlarged. The ragged-edged ulcers of glanders are not 
found on the lining membrane in the nostril. When in doubt, 
study sj^mptoms of glanders. The eye on affected side may have 
a peculiar look, and be smaller than the other; there may be 
enlargement or bulging of the face bones over the part affected, 
between or below the eyes; breath may be offensive, indicat- 
ing decay of bone or diseased teeth. If last, will hold head 



78 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

to one side when eating, or drop food when partly chewed. 
By tapping on bones between or below the eyes, above back 
teeth of upper jaw, a hollow sound is emitted if healthy, but if 
sinus is filled with pus, or contains a large tumor, it will give a 
solid sound. Hair may be rough over part affected, or bone soft 
to touch. The horse may be unthrifty. 

Treatment. — 

First, if possible, find cause of trouble. Give good food and 
regular exercise. Food box had best be put on the ground, as 
this favors discharge from the head. Cases that do not require 
surgical treatment must have persistent medical. Give the Iron 
and Saltpeter mixture, and the digestive tonic as recommended 
in " Cold in the Head," except that they be given alternately. 
If animal will not eat on food, give as a drench in a pint of water. 
Also give twice a'day for two days two ounces of a solution of: 

Iodide of Potash i ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Discontinue for four days and give again, repeating in this 
manner every two weeks. Steam the head as in simple catarrh, 
steaming at evening if the animal works. Keep the nostrils 
washed for appearance sake; a douche composed of: 

Boracic Acid i ounce. 

Water i quart. 

May be of great value; for giving a douche see under "Medi- 
cines," fore part of book. If nasal gleet is caused by a diseased 
tooth, it must be removed. The operation of trephining, in 
expert hands, is the best in such a case, as it opens up the cavity, 
which can be attended direct. In all cases where the sinuses 
contain either collections of pus or tumors, the only relief is to 
trephine. Either of these operations will require the services of 
a veterinarian. 

WOUNDS ABOUT THE NOSTRIL. — Wounds in 
this neighborhood are common, and are generally caused by 
getting "snagged" on a nail or splinter, or by the bite of another 
horse; or by getting run into; or by running against something. 
Occasionally the nostril is so badly torn and lacerated that it is 
impossible to effect a cure without leaving the animal blemished 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 79 

for life, but in the majority of cases, the blemish or scar is due to 
the want of proper treatment on the part of the owner or 
attendant. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as possible after the accident the parts should be 
brought together and held there by stitches. If too much time 
is allowed, the swelling of the parts will considerably interfere. 
The skin in this part is thin and delicate, and therefore it is 
easy to insert sutures. Never cut away any skin that may be 
loose or hanging, or a scar will certainly remain. Bring the 
parts in direct apposition and place the stitches from a quarter to 
an half inch apart, as circumstance may demand. It is not 
necessary to have special surgeons' silk or needles for this opera- 
tion; good linen thread or ordinary silk thread will answer, but 
the work must be nicely done. The wound afterward requires 
only to be kept clean. For this purpose it should be cleansed 
and discharges washed away daily with a solution made of: 

Carbolic Acid i part. 

Water 30 parts. 

Mix. 

If the horse is inclined to rub the wound against some object 
on account of the irritability, his head should be tied by means 
of two halter ropes, to prevent him rubbing the wound open. 
The head should be so tied about ten days, except when at work 
or eating. 

If swelling becomes extensive, foment and use astringent 
wash, as White Eotion (page 263). 

NASAL POLYPUS, OR SMALL TUMOR OF THE 
NOSTRIL. — These are pear-shaped excrescences, growing in 
the nasal passages, and are an obstruction to the breathing on 
the side where located. They vary much in size; some so small 
that their presence is not manifested, while in other cases, the 
size may cause serious obstruction to the passage of air. In some 
cases they hang toward the nasal opening, and sometimes toward 
the pharynx. 



8o THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — There is a discharge from the nostril, and a 
more or less snuffling sound in breathing, or difficult breathing, 
according to size; a discharge of blood, if injured, and sneezing. 

Treatment.— 

The only relief is the removal of the polypus, by grasping it 
at the base with suitable forceps, and twisting it round and round 
until torn from its attachment, or by removing it with the 
ecraseur. The resulting hemorrhage is checked by an astringent 
lotion, as a solution of Tincture of Iron, or Alum, i to 2 ounces 
to a pint of water. The operation should generally be done by 
an expert. 

SORE THROAT; LARYNGITIS.— The larynx is situ- 
ated in the space between the lower jaw bones, just back of the 
root of the tongue, and is retained in this position by the wind- 
pipe, muscles, and bones to which it is attached. The opening 
leading into it from the pharynx is elliptical, its border is quite 
thick, and is covered with thick, mucous membrane. The lining 
membrane is so sensitive that a particle of food dropped into it 
from the pharynx, causes violent coughing. 

Causes. — Are the same as for catarrh. 

Symptoms. — First symptom usually is a cough, followed by 
difficulty in swallowing; so much so, that in many cases the 
water drank will be returned through the nose; mouth is hot, 
and saliva dribbles from it; glands of lower jaw may be swollen; 
pressure on larnyx causes a characteristic cough; head is "poked 
out;" membrane of the nose becomes red, and a discharge from 
nostrils soon appears. As disease advances a rasping snore is 
heard, breathing is hurried, and sometimes animal seems in 
danger of suffocation. The pain of swallowing is so great that the 
animal refuses feed to a great extent. Temperature rises two to 
six degrees. Pulse is accelerated — sixty to ninety per minute. 

Treatment. — 

In all cases steam the nostrils as advised in Cold in the Head 
using medicated steam. In bad cases, steam continuously until 
relieved. Put animal in a dry, warm, but well-ventilated stall, 
bandage legs, and blanket body. Feed bran mashes, scalded oats^ 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 81 

linseed gruel, and if in season, freshly cut grass. Have temporary 
feed box at about height he carries his head, so he can eat with- 
out unnecessary distress. Keep fresh water where he can get 
it all the time. If constipated, give him injections of warm 
water in the rectum three or four times in twenty-four hours. 
Rub well in on his throat, from ear to ear, a liniment composed of: 

Soap Liniment 4 ounces. 

Aqua Ammonia 2 " 

Turpentine 2 " 

Well shaken together. Use once or twice a 
day. 

Flannel cloths wrung from hot water and bound on the 

throat are also of great value. Change everj^^ fifteen minutes so 

as to keep continuously hot. Give the following electuary: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 1% ounces. 

Camphor 3 " 

Chloride of Ammonia 3 " 

Saltpeter 3 " 

Molasses and Flour, or better, Pul- 
verized Ivicorice Root, to make i pint of paste. 

Dose: i\ of the mixture smeared on the 
back of the tongue with a paddle three to five 
times a day. 

Also throw into the back part of the mouth, with a syringe, 
from three to six times a day, one ounce of the following: 

Chlorate of Potash i^ ounces. 

Tincture of Iron 4 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Never attempt to drench a horse having a sore throat. 

In urgent cases, where suffocation seems inevitable, trache- 
otomy (see Operations) must be performed. During the time 
tube is used, other treatment should be continued. 

If abscesses form, use hot, soft Linseed Meal poultices, or 

the hot flannel cloths, for hours, to encourage formation of pus; 

after they break, treat as any abscess (see Operations). If the 

glands remain swollen after attack rub over every day with an. 

ointment composed of the following: 

Iodine 2 drachms. 

Iodide of Potash 1% " 

Biniodide of Mercury 20 grains.. 

Lard r ounce.. 

Well mixed. Rub in well with a rub-cloth» 
6 



82 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

If the part gets sore, withhold for a few days and then apply 
again. Should chronic cough remain, treat as described under 
that heading. 

CHRONIC COUGH. — This may succeed the acute diseases 
of the respiratory organs, or accompany other diseases. It some- 
times exists as an independent affection, the animal being other- 
wise in good condition. 

When cause is known, treat as given in the disease. If it 
exists without any apparent connection, give every night, in a 
bran mash, one of powders as given: 

Sulphate of Copper i ounce. 

Digitalis i 

Pulverized Squills i " 

Niter i " 

Camphor i " 

Mix and make into lo powders. 

Or: 2. Gum Camphor i>^ounce9. 

Digitalis I ounce. 

Linseed Meal a ounces. 

Powder and mix, and make into 12 powders, 
and give one night and morning in soft food. 

Or: 3. Camphor i drachm. 

Digitalis }i " 

Calomel i " 

Opium I " 

Mix into a ball with syrup and give as one 
dose; give every day for a week, then skip a 
week and repeat. 

Or: 4. Fluid Extract Belladonna 2 ounces. 

Chloride of Ammonia 3 *' 

Saltpeter 3 " 

Watertomake i quart. 

Dose: 2 ounces three times a day. 

Or: 5. Iodide of Potash i ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Dose: i ounce morning and night. Give 
for a week, discontinue a week and give again. 

Stimulating liniments or mild blisters may be used in connec- 
jtion with any of the above as applications to the throat. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 83 

ROARING AND WHISTLING.— The terms "roaring" 
and "whistling" are names for variations of the same trouble. 
Whistling may accompany a sore throat, passing with the disease 
that caused it, 

Causgs.— The immediate cause is an obstruction to the free 
passage of air in some part of the respiratory tract. This may 
come from the laryngitis, thickening of the membrane, nasal 
polypi, deformed bones, paralysis of the wing of the nostril, but 
paralysis of the muscles of the vocal cord cause by far the most. 
The muscles of the left in last cause are almost invariably the 
ones affected. 

Symptoms, — In chronic roaring, the noise is made when the air 
is drawn into the lungs; and only when the disease is advanced 
is a sound produced when air is expelled, and not nearly so loud 
as the inspiration. The best way to bring out the characteristic 
symptoms of roaring, is to make horse pull a load up a hill, or if 
he be a saddle or carriage horse, gallop, or drive fast up a hill. 
In difficult cases, the animal becomes entirely exhausted, breathes 
rapidly and with difficulty, with nostrils distended, and animal 
appearing as if suffocation was imminent. The roaring sound 
produced by inspiration can be heard some distance. 

Treatment, — 

When confirmed, nothing can be done. In recent cases give: 

Iodide of Potash 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica 2 " 

Nitrate of Potash 2 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 1 ounce in feed night and morning; 
give for a week, discontinue for a week, give 
again. 

Apply the following blister to the throat: 

Spanish Fly I drachm. 

Biniodide of Mercury i " 

Lard 2 ounces. 

See "How to Apply a Blister," under "Ring Bone." In the 
case of a valuable horse, a qualified veterinarian can perform an 
operation on the larynx, which will generally relieve the animal. 



84 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Partial relief can also be produced by fastening a strap from 
one bit ring over the nose to the other bit ring; fasten to the 
under side of this strap on each side, a small pad, in the form of 
a piece of leather, in such a way that it will press against the 
wall of the nose just above the nostril. This^will cut down the 
size of the nasal cavity, and prevent as much air from entering, 
and thus relieve the animal and also prevent, to a great extent, 
the roaring sound. 

BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE.— This often occurs 
during the course of other diseases, viz: influenza, bronchitis, 
purpura hemorrhagica, glanders, etc. It also occurs independent 
of other affections, and as has been noted, is a symptom of poly- 
pus of the nose. Injuries to the head, exertion and sneezing will 
also induce it. The bleeding is generally from one nostril only, 
and not serious; the blood comes in drops (rarely faster) and is 
never frothy as when from the lungs. 

Treatment. — 

Bathe the head and wash out the nostrils with cold water; 
this is generally suflScient. If it continues, pour ice-cold water 
over the face, between the eyes and down over the nasal chambers. 
A bag of broken ice is good. If these means fail, give a douche 
of Alum water: 

Alum I ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Or use Sulphate of Iron in place of the Alum. For giving douche, 
see under "Medicines," fore part of book. 

BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS.-This may occur 
during the course of congestion of the lungs, bronchitis, pneu- 
monia, influenza, piu-pura hemorrhagica, or glanders. An acci- 
dent or exertion may cause it. Plethora predisposes to it. 
Following the rupture of a vessel, the blood may escape into the 
lung tissue and cause pneumonia, or it may fill up the bronchial 
tubes and suffocate the horse. 

Symptoms. — When from the lungs, there is coughing; the 
blood is frothy, and comes from both nostrils. The ear placed 
to the windpipe, along its course, will hear a gurgling and rattling 
sound. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 85 

Treatment. — 

When in connection with another disease it seldom requires 
special treatment. When caused by accident or exertion, the 
animal should be kept quiet. If cough is frequent or paroxysmal, 

give: 

Tincture of Opium 2 ovinces. 

Raw Linseed Oil 8 '* 

This to allay irritability, which may stop hemorrhage by 
checking cough. If bleeding is continuous and profuse, give i 
ounce Fluid Extract of Ergot; repeat in from one-half to one hour. 
Or: 

Acetate of L/Cad i draclim. 

Water i pint. 

May be given as a drench. Or, 

Tincture Perchloride of Iron i ounce. 

Water i pint. 

May be given instead. Dashing small amounts of cold water 
against the chest may benefit. A hemorrhage into the lung may 
occur without any outward bleeding and cause death. 

BRONCHITIS. — Bronchitis is an inflammation of the 
bronchial tubes — the two branches of the trachea, or windpipe, 
leading to the lungs. The mucous membrane alone may be 
affected, or the whole tube may be involved. 

Causes. — The same as produce catarrh, sore throat etc.; the 
inhalation of irritating gases and smoke; and by fluids, as medi- 
cines, and solids, gaining access to the parts. 

Symptoms. — Generally ushered in by a shivering fit — chill; 
dull; no appetite; breathing very much quickened; a painful 
cough, at first dry, then moist and rattling; mouth hot; pulse 
at first full and quick, but later smaller and more frequent; the 
temperature is elevated, — 104 to 107 degrees. If ear is placed 
to sides of chest, a hissing or wheezing sound is heard if smaller 
tubes are affected, and a hoarser, or tubular sound, when larger 
tubes are involved. A heavy, tubular sound will also be heard 
by placing the ear in front of the chest at the base of the neck. 
After a day or two the dry stage is succeeded by the moist, and 



1&5 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

'the ear detects a different sound, caused by the air passing 
through the mucus which has collected in the tubes, as a result 
of the inflammation. The sound is much like that caused by- 
air passing through water — a bubbling sound. There is a dis- 
charge of mucus from the nose; breathing labored, shorter, 
quicker, as disease advances; horse will not lie down; bowels 
constipated and the droppings covered with slimy mucus; urine 
decreased and dark; more or less thirst, but less and less desire for 
food; in some cases mouth full of saliva. If disease takes a favorable 
turn, the symptoms become less marked, pulse gets stronger and 
less frequent, temperature gets lower, cough less painful and 
breathing easier. 

In order to recognize the abnormal sounds produced with 
lung disorders, one should place the ear to the chest of healthy 
animals, to become familiar with the healthy sounds. 

Treatment. — 

First, treat the chill; put warm blankets on the horse; ruh 

the legs, and give internally. 

Alcohol ij^ ounces. 

Water y^ pint. 

Any other stimulant may be used in case the alcohol is not 
at hand. Also give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Aconite lo to 15 drops. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i teaspoonful. 

Repeat the stimulant in from one-half to one hour, and again 
in an hour and a half to two hours. Repeat the Aconite and 
Belladonna in about two hours. Hot water bottles placed under 
the blankets will help. Overcome the chill as quickly as possible. 
After the chill subsides, commence giving mixture recommended 
a little further on. 

Have good quarters and plenty of fresh air without drafts. 
Blanket when season demands; rub legs until warm, and bandage 
from hoof to knee and hock. If hand rubbing does not suflSce, 
use liniment as in "Sore Throat." Apply liniment well over side 
of chest, behind elbow and shoulder blade, covering space imme- 
diately behind elbow and shoulder blade, and running back eigh- 
teen inches, and from elbow below, to within five or six inches of 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 87 

the back bone. Mustard, mixed into a paste with lukewarm 
water may be used in place of the liniment. Hot water bot- 
tles hung against the chest, under the blanket, are of great value. 
Change the water quite frequently. Steam, as in "Cold in the 
Head," and in serious cases repeat every hour. 

After quenching the thirst by giving small amounts of water 
frequently, keep a pail of fresh water before the horse con- 
tinually, adding 2 ounces Epsom Salts to each pailful. Feed a 
little scalded bran and oats, roots or potatoes, and grass, or if 
not in season, a little clover hay. Offer only a little at a time and 
remove if animal does not wish it. 

Internally for the first two days use the following: 

Fluid Extract of Aconite i^ drachma. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i ounce. 

Ammonia Chloride 2 ounces. 

Saltpeter i}4 " 

Alcohol 5 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces from four to six times a day. 

After two days use the following: 

Fluid Extract Digitalis 3 drachms. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna }4 ounce. 

Ammonia Chloride 1^2 ounces. 

Saltpeter J}4 " 

Alcohol 4 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces from four to six times a day 
(24 hours). 
If the fever is high and foregoing does not lower it, give i 
drachm of Acetanilid in i^ ounces of Alcohol, twice or three 
times a day, if the case requires; j4 drachm doses of Quinine 
three times a day is also good. 

If it is hard for the animal to elevate the head to be drenched, 
throw the medicine, a small amount at a time, into the back part 
of the mouth with a hard rubber syringe, or give in the form of a 
paste as in "Sore Throat." 

Give the animal a good brushing each day, throwing back 
only one-half of the blanket at a time for the purpose. 

As the animal commences to improve give a tonic in the 
form of a teaspoonful of Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica and 2 



88 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

teaspoonfuls of Fluid Extract of Gentian in a little water three 
times a day; after a few days substitute for this tonic the ones 
recommended in "Chronic Indigestion," 

Let the animal thoroughly recover before giving exercise 
and start in very gradually. 

If cough persists give Iodide of Potash as in treatment for 
"Chronic Cough." 

If during the course of the disease the heart becomes very 
weak give 2 grains of Strychnine three times a day in addition to 
the other medicines. 

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS.— 

Causes. — May follow acute bronchitis, or be due to same 
causes. In most cases it is attended with thickening of the walls 
of the tubes. 

Symptoms. — Its course is slower and is not attended with as 
much fever as in acute form. Animal's breathing becomes 
quickened and he shows signs of exhaustion if exerted. May 
keep up fairly well in strength and appearance, but ma}' gradually 
run do^^^l. Cough may be husky, smothered or muffled, or be 
hard and clear; whitish discharge from nose. The ear at the 
side of the chest hears rattling of air through the mucus; or a 
tubular sound. 

Treatment. — 

Generally the horse is kept at work, as owner says "he has a 
deep cold. ' ' This is wrong, for rest must be had if a cure is desired. 
Exertion may bring on an acute attack. Give same care and 
treatment as in acute form, giving the medicine, however, less 
frequently; give the tonics, and treat the cough as recommended 
for "Chronic Cough." 

CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS.— An abnormal accu- 
mulation of blood in the lungs. Inflammation of the lungs is 
always preceded by congestion, or to make it plainer, congestion 
may be considered as the first stage of inflammation, but in this 
connection we will consider it as an independent disorder. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 89 

Causes. — When it exists as an independent aflFection, it is 
generally caused by over exertion when animal is not in fit con- 
dition to undergo more than moderate exercise; over-fat animals, 
or very old hard vi'orked animals. More apt to occur in hot 
weather. 

Symptoms. — Horse suddenly stops all out of breath; nostrils 
-distended ; flanks heaving ; countenance has an anxious look; 
head down, ears forward, legs braced, elbows turned out ; he 
looks around as if in search of more air; may paw the ground in 
effort to breathe, and acts as though suffocation were near. Pulse 
100 or more; heart beating tumultuously at times, and then again 
may be scarcely perceptible. If ear is placed against side of 
chest, a loud murmur is heard, and perhaps a crackling sound. 
There may be a frothy discharge from the nostrils, sometimes 
tinged with blood; if much blood the condition is serious. 

'Treatment. — 

If on road, let him stop; do not attempt to return to stable; 

blanket, turn his head to the wind and loosen harness where it 
may interfere with breathing. By no means have horse walked, 
as is sometimes done. Rub vigorously with cloths, hay or straw, 
to stimulate circulation; get legs warm if possible and use lini- 
ment as recommended in "Bronchitis" on cold part of legs. When 
circulation is better, bandage from hoofs as far as possible. 
Blanket, and have rubbing done under blanket. Give Spirits of 
Nitrous Ether and Alcohol, of each 2 ounces, in i pint of water 
as a drench; repeat in an hour and then every two hours until 
relieved. Also give 10 to 15 drops Fluid Extract of Aconite and 

1 teaspoonful Fluid Extract of Belladonna ; repeat every two 
hours. If it takes too long to get this, give ^ pint of Whiskey 
in I pint of water, or the same amount of Brandy as often; or i 
ounce Tincture of Arnica in a pint of water every hour until five 
or six doses have been given. If none of these are at hand give 

2 tablespoonfuls of Turpentine shaken in l4 pint of milk. This 
will be good until something else can be had. A tablespoonful 
of Aqua Ammonia in a pint of water is also good. Active meas- 
ures may cease with alarming symptoms, but good care must be 
given for several days, for this may be followed by pneumonia. 



90 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Keep in comfortable stall, have legs and body well covered, give 
pure air without drafts, plenty of fresh water and bran mashes,, 
scalded oats and grass, if in season, and use tonics as recom- 
mended in "Bronchitis," After animal has thoroughly recovered, 
work in gradually. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS— PNEU- 
MONIA. — This is an inflammation of the lung tissues; it may 
attack both lungs, but usually but one, perhaps most often it is 
the right one that is affected. It may be complicated with bron- 
chitis, pleurisy, or both. 

Causes. — It may be directly due to any of the causes for dis- 
eases of the air passages, as those causing bronchitis, but in many 
instances it is due to either wilful neglect or ignorance. A com- 
mon cold may run into pneumonia if neglected or improperly 
attended. Allowing an animal which is over heated to cool too 
quickly, especially if in a draft, over exertion, bad quarters^ 
and many other things may tend, directly or indirectly, to bring 
on an attack. 

Symptovis. — The first stage is a shivering fit, more or less 
prolonged, breathing is accelerated; horse hangs his head and 
has a dull look; mouth is hot and sticky to touch; fever 103 or 
higher; pulse very frequent, 70 to 80 or even 100 a minute, but 
varying much in character; may be hard or feeble, large or small, 
intermitting, etc. There is usually a dry cough from first, but 
changing as disease advances; sometimes nasal discharge is tinged 
with blood, and at other times seems like matter; little or no 
appetite; desire for water is increasing; legs cold; bowels more 
or less costive; dung usually covered with mucus: urine scanty 
and dark in color. Will not lie down; if complicated with 
pleurisy will lie down, but rises soon. In pneumonia, breathing 
is rapid and difficult, but when pleurisy is present, the ribs are 
kept as still as possible and the breathing abdominal. There is 
no pain unless pleurisy is present. A healthy lung if tapped on, 
produces a resonant sound, but when inflamed a dull one. If 
pleurisy is present, animal will flinch, as blow causes pain. Placing, 
ear to chest, a respiratory murmur is heard if horse is healthy. In: 
first stage of pneumonia, the murmur is loud and hoarse, with a fine 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 91 

crackling sound; when lung is solid, no sound is heard. The 
symptoms resemble very closely those of bronchitis, except in 
listening at the chest, we notice the crackling sound instead of 
the tubular; the cough is not as painful as in bronchitis. 

Treatment. — 

The general outline of treatment is as in "Bronchitis." Best of 
quarters, and plenty of pure air. It is better to blanket warmly 
than to warm by stopping ventilation. Give water and feed and same 
general care as in "Bronchitis." Treat chill as in "Bronchitis." 
Rub legs until warm and then bandage from hoofs up; if hand 
rubbing is not sufficient, use liniment as in ' 'Bronchitis, ' ' and repeat 
once or twice a day the rubbing and liniment. Apply to the chest 
the same applications as in "Bronchitis;" the hot applications are 
especially valuable. If constipation exists, give laxative food, 
such as scalded oats, bran, and linseed mashes, and to these add 
grass or clover hay if not the season for grass. If no desire is 
evinced for food of above kinds, allow anything that the horse will 
eat. Also give injections per rectum. Hay tea may be given as 
much as animal will drink, and this may create a desire for other 
food; a little corn on the cob, apples, carrots, or sweet milk with 
three or four eggs to the gallon, if he will drink it, three or four 
gallons may be given a day. Internally give the same treatment 
as for "Bronchitis," taking the same care in drenching. During 
convalescence use the same tonics as in "Bronchitis." The treat- 
ments for the two diseases are so similar it makes but little differ- 
ence whether we differentiate between them or not. 

PLEURISY. — This is an inflammation of the pleura or 
serous membrane lining the chest cavity, and also investing the 
lungs. Of itself it is not necessarily fatal, but inflammation of 
serous membranes is inclined to abundant effusions of serum — a 
watery fluid. This condition, called "hydrothorax," is serious. 

Causes. — May be due to any of the causes that lead up to 
other diseases of the breathing organs; by wounds that puncture 
the chest; or fractured ribs; and may accompany other diseases 
of the breathing organs. 



•92 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — We get the chill followed by a high fever; at 
first the animal is apt to show more or less pain by uneasiness 
and looking around at the chest, acts a little as with mild colic. 
The breathing is hurried, temperature elevated, 104 to 107; pulse 
accelerated, 60 to 90, or even higher, rather hard and small; 
elbows turned out; the chest is held rigid, breathing is carried on 
by the abdominal muscles, causing a line to extend along the 
lower border of ribs up to hip bone — the pleuritic line; flanks 
tucked up, animal dislikes to turn around. If the chest is tapped 
with the knuckles the horse shows pain, more noticeable if the 
fingers are pushed in between the ribs. If the chest is slapped 
with the hand the animal is apt to grunt or groan. 

In the early stages, by placing the ear to the chest a grating 
or frictional sound is heard, caused by the dry pleura covering 
the lungs rubbing against that lining the chest; later on the 
effusion is thrown out and this sound ceases. If the effusion is 
profuse, the serum begins to collect in the bottom of the chest 
and float the lungs up toward the top; as this progresses we 
notice there is no sound below the "water line," and an increased 
murmur above. If the chest does not fill more than one- third 
full, and the inflammation subsides, the effusion may be reab- 
sorbed and recovery take place; if it fills more than one- third, 
the serum will need to be drawn off mechanically. 

Treatment.— 

This varies but little from that in "Bronchitis" and "Pneu- 
monia." Adhere to the general management as in "Bronchitis" 
and "Pneumonia," and give the same medicines internally; the 
disease needs rather vigorous treatment, so repeat medicines full 
number of times. If the heart is at all weak use the Strychnine. 
The external applications to the chest are very important — use the 
hot water bottles. If the chest fills more than one-third full it 
should be tapped with a trocar and canula and the fluid drawn 
off; this would require a veterinarian. Sometimes the lung 
affected will grow fast to the chest wall. During convalescence 
give the tonics. 

WATER IN THE CHEST — HYDROTHORAX.— 

This is the filling of the chest wdth water following pleurisy. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 93 



Causes. — At first after active inflammation, the effusion re- 
lieves pain and the horse brightens up, begins to eat and is more 
comfortable until water floats the lungs and interferes with 
breathing. The countenance becomes anxious and haggard; 
animal is dull and weak, and shows little appetite for food; 
breathing more difficult and rapid, and pulse high. Tapping the 
sides of chest will produce sound like the solid sound on a barrel 
of water, and the ear detects no respiratory murmur in the lower 
part of the chest. 

Treatment. — 

Rub liniment, as in "Bronchitis" and "Pneumonia," over 
lower part of both sides and bottom of chest. Continue the 
treatment as given in "Pleurisy," and use the tonics. Also give 
I drachm Iodide Potassium in a pint of drinking water one hour 
before feeding every night and morning for a week or two. 

Hydrothorax is sometimes difficult to overcome by medicine 
and tapping is then resorted to (see Operations). 

BROKEN WIND, OR HEAVES. — Much confusion 
exists as to the nature of this trouble, and though veterinarians are 
well acquainted with the phenomena and locality of the disease, 
there is some diversity of opinion as to the exact cause. An 
after-death examination in recent cases — those that have had the 
disease but a short time — shows no marked changes, but old cases 
show well-marked lesions, walls of bronchial tubes thickened, 
right side of heart enlarged and cavities dilated; stomach enlarged, 
and in many cases, intestinal walls changed. The lungs are 
changed in two ways — by dilation and rupture of walls of the 
cells, and by air finding its way into the tissue between the cells. 

Symptmns .—'^h& peculiar double motion of the flanks in ex- 
pelling the air, points to the ailment at once. The nostrils are 
inflated, and the accompanying cough is short and something like a 
grunt. When excited, a wheezing noise accompanies breathing. 
This may be heard to a less extent wjien at rest by placing the 
ear to the chest. The animal is much worse during close, 
"muggy" weather. Animal has a depraved appetite and will eat 



^4 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

soiled bedding rather than good food, and the abdomen may be- 
come what is called "pot-bellied;" passes wind frequently, which 
has an ofiEensive odor. If a horse has been "doped" by sharpers 
so that symptoms are suppressed, he can be tested by giving him 
as much water as he will drink, and then drive him up a stiff hill 
or on a heavy road. This will bring out the characteristics of 
the disease. The cough, which is not at all regular, is usually 
one of the first symptoms. 

Treatment. — 

When once well seated there is no cure for it, but judicious 
feeding and remedies will help to allay its severity. In recent 
cases more may be- accomplished. Feed a small quantity of the 
best hay and more grain, and slightly dampen to allay dust. 
Water before feeding, not after. Do not work immediately after 
eating. Carrots, turnips and potatoes chopped and mixed with 
oats or corn are good. Pasturing gives relief. One of the best 
remedies is solution of Arsenic in Hydrochloric Acid (Liquor 
Arsenici Hj^drochloricus) . Give i tablespoonful with bran or 
ground oats three times daily for two weeks; then twice a day for 
two weeks longer; then once a day for several weeks, is a good 
way to give it. Fowler's Solution of Arsenic is also used in the 
same manner, the dose being the same. 

Do not use an animal suffering from heaves for breeding 
purposes. 

SPASMS OF THE DIAPHRAGM— THUMPS OR 
HICCOUGHS. — This is like hiccoughs in man. Is generally 
thought to be palpitation of the heart, and while that trouble is 
sometimes called "thumps" it must not be confounded with this 
disease, which is a spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm. 

Causes. — Same as congestion of the lungs. 

Symptoms. — The jerky motion affects the whole body and is 
not confined to the region of the heart. If one places the hand 
on the body at about the middle of the last rib while the other is 
placed over heart behind the left elbow, it will be seen that there 
is no connection between the jerking of one and the beating of the 
other. The ear placed to the side will discover that the sound is 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 95 

back of the heart. In fact the heart is usually weaker and less 
perceptible than natural. If not reUeved, death usually results 
from congestion of the lungs. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment should be precisely the same as for "Conges- 
tion of the Lungs." 

Or, in ordinary cases give the following: 

Sweet Spirits of Niter i ounce. 

Laudanum i " 

Fluid Extract Digitalis 20 drops. 

Water i pint. 

Mix and give as a drench, every two hours 
until relieved. 

If warm weather, apply a woolen blanket wrung out of hot 
water to the chest, with a dry one outside it; if cold weather, 
apply Mustard paste around back part of chest and cover body 
well. In some cases, after giving a few doses of mixture, if not 
relieved it would be well to give: 

Turpentine i ounce. 

Raw Linseed Oil I pint. 

Mix and give as a drench. 

After animal is better, feed well, give exercise, and bring 

gradually to regular work. 

WOUNDS PENETRATING THE WALLS OF THE 
CHEST. — In theory, according to some teachers of physiology, 
when an opening is made in the wall of the chest, sufl&cient to 
allow air to enter, a collapse of the lung should occur. This is 
not always the case, as horses have been known to be in this 
condition for several hours without above result occurring. Dr. 
W. H. Harbaugh tells of a case he attended twelve hours after 
the accident, and he states, that though he found the breathing 
considerably altered, no bad effect followed the admission of air 
into the thoracic cavity. The wound was closed and treated by 
general methods of treating wounds, and a speedy and perfect 
recovery followed. If the pleura is not penetrated, no bad result 
is likely to follow, but if it is, pleurisy is likely to result, and 
even pneumonia if the wound involves the lung. 

The condition called "pneumo-thorax," means air in the 
chest. This may be due to a wound in the wall of the chest, or 



96 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

it may be due to a broken rib, the sharp edges of which wound 
the lung sufficiently to allow air to escape into the space about 
the lung, which is naturally a vacuum. Air gaining access to the 
chest cavity may have a peculiar effect. The wound may be so 
made that when the walls of the chest are dilating, a little air is 
sucked in, but during contraction, the contained air presses 
against the torn part, so as to close the wound; a little air gets 
in at each breath, but none escapes until the lung is compressed 
in small space, and forced into anterior part of chest. A broken 
rib may cause same condition, but in this case the air gains access 
from the lung, and there may not even be an opening in the 
walls of the chest. In hydro- thorax (water on the chest), the 
gases caused by decomposition of fluid, are said to have caused 
the same condition. In such cases the air is generally absorbed, 
and a spontaneous cure is the result. But when the symptoms 
are urgent, it is recommended that the air be removed by a trocar 
and canula, or by an aspirator. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment of wounds of above kind should, for reasons 
stated, be prompt. Find out by careful examination if any 
foreign body remain in the wound; if so, it should be removed 
and the wound thoroughly cleaned with a solution of: 

Carbolic Acid i part. 

Water $o parts. 

Mix. 

The wound should then be closed immediately. If an incised 
wound it should be closed with sutures; if torn or lacerated, a 
bandage around the chest over the dressing is the best plan. At 
all events, air must be prevented getting into the chest as soon 
and effectually as possible. The after treatment should consist in 
keeping the parts clean with the Carbolic solution and applying 
fresh dressing as often as needed to keep the wound in a healthy 
condition. Care should be taken that the discharges from the 
wound have an outlet in the most dependent part. If the wound 
causes much pain, it should be allayed by a dose of Tincture of 
Opium (L,audanum) . Pleurisy and other complications must be 
treated as directed under their headings. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 97 

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, TEETH, SALI- 
VARY GLANDS AND GULLET 



SORE MOUTH — STOMATITIS.— This is an inflam- 
mation of the mucous membrane lining the mouth. 

Causes. — Irritating medicines, foods, or other substances. 

Sympto?ns. — Swelling of the mouth, which is hot and painful 
to the touch; copious discharge of saliva; mucous membrane is 
reddened, and in some cases there are ulcers or blisters observed. 

Treatment. — 

Feed soft food, and in many cases this is all that is necessary. 
If this is not sufficient use a wash of Chlorate of Potash, Borax or 
Alum, from ^2 to i ounce of either, to i pint of water. Hay, 
straw or oats should be steamed or boiled, if used. Internally 
give a laxative, i quart of raw Linseed Oil, or ^^ pound of Epsom 
Salts, or I ounce of Aloes; also give large teaspoon ful of Salt- 
peter three times a day for a few days in the moistened grain. If 
ulcers form, touch them with Nitrate of Silver, Tincture of 
Iodine, or other caustic. 

LAMPAS. — This is the name given to the swelling of the 
mucous membrane covering the bars in the roof of the mouth and 
projecting in a more or less prominent ridge immediately behind 
the upper incisor teeth. Not nearly so common as imagined. 

Causes. — From any of the causes of sore mouth, or in the 
case of colts from teething. 

Sy77iptoms. — The bars in the roof of the mouth are swollen, 
red and sensitive to the touch. The bars just back of the front 
teeth are often on a level or below the grinding surface of the teeth 
in health, and unless red and sensitive, indicates nothing wrong. 
More or less slobbering, sometimes difl&cult eating. 

Treatment.— 

Give the same treatment, both local and internal, as in "Sore 

Mouth." Burning is both cruel and unnecessary. 

7 



98 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



IRRITATION FROM SHEDDING MILK TEETH.— 

A trouble of young horses. 

Symptmns. — Horse eats with diflSculty, sometimes not at all; 
slobbers; sweats easily; hair looks rough; is gaunt and thin; 
bowels costive or affected with diarrhea, and oats come through 
whole. 

Treatment,— 

Look at teeth, back and front, for shells or caps, and remove 
if any are found. Give soft food, and as a tonic the treatment 
recommended for "Chronic Indigestion." 

WOLF TEETH. — These are small teeth that come just 
in front of the upper and sometimes the lower molars. They 
sometimes wound the cheek, by its being pulled against the wolf 
teeth by the bit. They do no good, but do not, as is sometimes 
supposed, cause blindness. 

Treatment. — 

Take a pair of pincers or forceps and pull them. They are 
usually only attached lightly and come easily. Never break 
them off by punching them out. In pulling, twist back and forth 
a little, so as not to break them off. 

IRREGULARITIES OF THE TEETH.— From the 

nature of a horse's food, it is necessary that the grinding or rub- 
bing surface of the tooth should be rough. The upper jaw is 
somewhat wider than the lower, and from the fact of not being 
perfectly opposed, a sharp edge is left on inside of lower molars 
and on outside of upper ones, which may injure the lips and 
tongue. This can be readily felt by the hand, and when so 
found, should be rasped down. Sometimes the first or last molar 
may be abnormally long, owing to the absence of its opposite. 
Should it be the last, an expert would undoubtedly be needed, 
but the front one can be rasped down. Teeth opposite absent 
ones from other jaw are much elongated, and such must be short- 
ened. When horses "quid" their food, or when they show 
distress in chewing, by holding the head to one side, the teeth 
should be examined carefully, and all sharp corners and projec- 
tions removed with a rasp. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 99 

TOOTHACHE; DECAYED TEETH. - Toothache is 
rare, and when found is usually from decayed teeth. 

Causes. — Usually from biting hard substances that split and 
break the teeth, inducing decay. 

Symptoms. — Horse will suddenly stop chewing, throw his 
head to one side and slightly open the mouth. Will act as though 
something had punctured the mouth. Will hold the head side- 
wise when eating, and sometimes in drinking. Apt to be an 
offensive odor from nostril or mouth; sometimes a discharge from 
nostril. 

Treatment. — 

If, on examination, no foreign substance is found in the 
mouth, carefully try each tooth by gently tapping with a small 
hammer with a long handle; the horse will flinch when the sore 
tooth is touched. A twitch may be put on the upper lip to 
control, if desired or necessary. When found, the offending 
tooth should be removed either with the forceps or by punching 
out. For this operation a veterinarian will be required. 

CRIBBING AND WIND-SUCKING. —This is not a 
disease in itself, but an exceeding bad habit, though it may result 
from some disease. The manger, post, fence, or other object is 
caught with the teeth, and horse bears down until neck is altered 
in position so as to form a temporary vacuum in the pharynx, 
when air rushes in to fill it. 

Causes. — By some is considered as the result of indigestion; 
by others from pain in the teeth while teething; while still othera 
as a result of idleness. Old horses will sometimes becom<^ 
cribbers if tied beside one that cribs. 

Treatment. — 

Put horse in a box stall and feed him from the floor, giving 
feed from a pail that is removed as soon as empty; leaving 
nothing which he can get hold of. Examine teeth to see that 
there are no defects in them; if so, correct. A strap buckled 
tight around the throat — tight enougrh to prevent the action — is 
another means employed. Putting Red Pepper, Aloes, and other 



THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



such ingredients on edges of manger where horse can crib is also 
resorted to; covering the edge of the manger with metal may 
prevent. Another way is to put a muzzle on with bars across the 
nose that will allow eating, but will prevent grasping the manger 
in his teeth. 

For wind-suckers who do not crib, a strap studded with sharp 
spikes opposite the lower jaw is the best preventive. 

If the animal is unthrifty, indicating indigestion, give the 
treatment recommended for "Chronic Indigestion." With young 
horses having a tendency to the trouble, give regular exercise. 

FOREIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE MOUTH.-Some- 

times a piece of stick becomes lodged in the roof of the mouth, 
and it may be noticed by animal not feeding, and he will be try- 
ing to dislodge same continually with his tongue, by working it 
around in his mouth. If obstruction is not removed, he will fall 
off in condition. When observed, examine and remove any such 
obstruction with the hand or pincers. Barley or wheat beards,, 
when horses get straw for food, may get so lodged in the mouth 
that the animal cannot dislodge them with his tongue. The 
horse will not feed well, and will fall off in condition. If the 
mouth be examined the cause of the trouble will probably be 
found, and should be removed, washing any irritated spot with 
Borax and Alum water. 

PARALYSIS OF LIPS AND CHEEKS.— Not a com- 
mon disease, but met with occasionally. 

Causes. — An injury to the nerves of motion in the lips and 
cheeks. 

Symptoms. — Animal is not able to use his lips in eating or 
drinking; they hang flabby and loose, and have the appearance 
of being swollen, but this is only from the looseness that makes 
them appear so. When drinking, animal puts his head deep in 
the water, as this is the only way he can drink. If one side only 
is affected, lips may be drawn toward the other side. 

Treatment. — 

Keep up strength by giving soft food, and give him rest. 
Stimulating liniments or blisters may be applied to the cheeks to 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE loi 

stimulate a return to normal conditions. Internally give i drachm 
doses Nux Vomica, or 2 grain doses Sulphate Strychnia three 
times a day, until twitching of some of the voluntary muscles 
occurs; then discontinue for several days; beginning with a smaller 
dose and increasing until the twitching occurs, is also recom- 
mended. The trouble may be incurable. 

APHTHA, OR THRUSH. - At certain times, a common 
disease and seems to be somewhat contagious. 

Symptoms. — Animal is dull and does not eat well; has slight 
cough; is running down. On examination, the mouth, lips, and 
tongue will be found covered with little blisters, and they may 
extend down into the throat, stomach, and in some cases into the 
intestines. The animal may be feverish. 

Treatment. — 

Give the same treatment as with "Stomatitis;" touching the 
sores with the caustics. Flushing out the mouth with a Carbolic 
Acid solution — Carbolic Acid, ^ ounce, water, i quart — is of 
value. In flushing out, be careful that the animal does not 
swallow much of the solution. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE — GLOS- 
SITIS.— 

Causes. — From irritating medicines and foods; or from too 
rough handling in giving medicines, injury from bit, or from 
rope put in the mouth, etc. 

Symptoms. — Copious discharge of saliva, and on examination 
the tongue will be found red, swollen and tender to touch, and in 
some cases protrudes from the mouth, with laceration, abscesses, 
etc. , and if not relieved animal would die of starvation. 

Treatment. — 

In simple cases follow out the treatment as in ' 'Sore Mouth' ' ot 
' 'Stomatitis. ' ' Severe cases might require the services of a veterin- 
arian. If tongue is cut, the wound should be stitched. In bad 
cases pump ice-cold water into the mouth continuously with a 
force pump. 



I02 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

TONGUE HANGING FROM THE MOUTH.— 

Causes. — Primarily from projection or sharp edges on the 
teeth; or from neglected injuries to the tongue, or from a para- 
lyzed condition of the tongue. 

Symptoms. — Are obvious. 

Treatment. — 

Examine the teeth and rasp away all sharp edges and pro- 
jections if any are found. Should the tongue be sore, use remedies 
as in "Sore Mouth, ' ' If tongue is paralyzed, give drachm doses of 
Nux Vomica three times a day. When it hangs from the mouth 
as a habit, there is no known remedy. The use of certain bits will 
sometimes prevent. If it hangs from the side, large, circular 
leathers attached to the sides of the bit may help. 

SLAVERING OR FROTHING— PTYALISM.- This 

is an excessive or abnormal secretion of saliva. 

Causes. — Irregular teeth; something in the food; clover, 
especially second crop; foreign substances lodged in the mouth; 
inflammation of mouth or tongue; or the use of some kinds of 
medicine. 

Treatment. — 

Discover and remove the cause and usually nothing more will 
be necessary. Astringent washes, as Alum water or Borax water, 
may be used sometimes to an advantage, applying with a sponge 
or syringe. A dose of the following is recommended where 
simple means fail: 

Aloes 8 drachms. 

Bicarbonate Soda i drachm. 

Ginger i " 

Dissolve in i pint of water or gruel, and give 

as a drench; or, give in the form of a ball. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE PAROTID GLAND.— 

This is the salivary gland situated below the ear and between the 
back part of the jaw bone and neck. 

Causes. — They become inflamed occasionally from cold settling 
in them, or from injury. Disease also accompanies distemper, 
laryngitis, and pharyngitis. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 103 

Treatment. — 

Bathe in liot water, or apply woolen cloths wrung from hot 
water, or apply L^inseed Meal poultices. If there is fever, give 
internal treatment recommended for ' 'Laryngitis " If gland sup- 
purates and comes to a point in any spot, open and flush out once 
a day with Carbolic Acid water: 

Carbolic Acid ^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Continue poulticing as before for a day or two and then stop 
poulticing. 

THICKENING OF THE PAROTID GLAND.— This 

is usually called "thick gland." 

Causes. — Tight reining; from distemper; or from inflamma- 
tion of the glands. 

Symptoms. — A pronounced thickening behind the jaw bone 
and below the ear. 

Treatment. — 

Blistering is the best way to get rid of this. Use the 
following; 

Powdered Cantharides i drachm. 

Biniodide of Mercury ^ " 

Lard or Vaseline i ounce. 

Mia: thoroughly and apply to the affected 
gland. 

For applying, see "To Apply a Blister," under "Ring Bone." 
In mild cases Iodine Ointment can be used in place of blister; 
the ointment is made as follows; 

Iodine 2 drachms. 

Iodide of Potash }^ " 

Biniodide of Mercury 20 grains. 

Vaseline i ounce. 

Apply a little once a day and rub vigorously 
■with a rub cloth. Keep slightly irritated. 

FISTULA OF THE PAROTID DUCT.— Generally 
from an injury to the duct where it rounds the lower jaw on the 
under side, just in front of the angle. 



I04 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Causes. — A tumor, or piece of food may obstruct the duct, 
cause inflammation, and as a result the duct breaks through in a 
new place, and as there is a constant flow of saliva, the opening 
becomes fistulous. 

Symptoms. — If, from an obstruction, there is a sore on the 
cheek, usually on the outside, but sometimes on the inside, the 
inner one does little harm, as the saliva is not wasted. The saliva 
flows more freely during mastication, but is continuous, If from 
an injury at the underside of jaw, saliva flows from the injury. 

Treatment. 

Clip hair off around the opening, and remove any obstruc- 
tion or irritation on the inside; see that the natural opening is 
clear. Scratch edges of external opening to make a fresh wound 
of it; then apply the following: 

Carbolic Acid i drachm. 

Glycerine 2 drachms. 

Flour to make a paste. 
Make into a paste and apply to the wound, and put a cold 
Linseed Meal poultice directly over it. Dress twice a day, and 
the fistulous opening will soon close if the natural passage is kept 
open. A little Tincture of Iodine, or the Iodine Ointment 
applied to the opening repeatedly may close it. If possible, get 
a veterinarian to treat the trouble. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE PHARYNX — PHAR- 
YNGITIS. — The pharynx is that part of the tract that lies in the 
throat just back of the mouth. It rarely exists unless accom- 
panied with sore mouth, glossitis, or laryngitis. 

Causes. — Are from extension of above diseases, or from 
foreign substances getting lodged there. Same causes as for 
laryngitis. 

Symptoms. — When confined mostly to the pharynx, there is 
diflBculty in swallowing; but little cough unless in trying to 
swallow; and there is no soreness on pressure over the larynx 
(large ring of the windpipe. ) Increased flow of saliva; diflficulty 
of swallowing liquids in particular, and cough when trying to 
swallow only, water comes back through the nose, and more or 
less discharsfe from the nose. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 105 

Treatment. — 

Same as for "Laryngitis." 

PARALYSIS OF THE PHARYNX, OR GULLET.— 

Commonly called "Paralysis of the Throat." This is a stubborn 
disease, but fortunately not very common. 

Sy7nptoms. — Animal will take food in his mouth and chew it, 
but cannot swallow; will try to drink, but there is no diminution 
of water in the pail, and this he will try to do by the hour. Any 
water getting into the back of the mouth will be returned through 
the nose. An examination reveals no abnormal conditions, except 
perhaps parts are flabby to touch. General conditions of animal 
otherwise at first are good, only as owner would say: "He can't 
eat." 

Treatment. — 

Blister, or apply stimulating Turpentine and Ammonia lini- 
ment behind and under the jaw. Swab the mouth frequently with 
Chlorate of Potash or Alum, i ounce to a pint of water, with a 
sponge on end of a stick. Give Strychnine in i grain doses three 
or four times a day. If possible give the Strychnine hypoder- 
mically. This treatment is recommended by high authority. 
Another recommends feeding animal with stomach pump, hay 
tea and making gruels out of chopped oats, new milk and eggs, 
and pumping it down into the stomach, or giving through a hose 
with funnel in one end, passed into the stomach; in this way 
keeping animal alive until the muscles have regained their tone 
and horse can swallow again. 

CHOKING. — Choking is not so common among horses as 
cattle, but it sometimes occurs. 

Causes. — Animal is suddenly startled when eating apples or 
roots; or, in feeding oats in a narrow, deep manger, a greedy feeder 
may, by bolting his oats, get choked. Giving eggs without 
breaking, or balls that are too large or improper shape, are also 
causes. It may lodge in the pharynx, in middle or neck portion, 
or in the chest portion near the stomach, each giving different 
symptoms. 



io6 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — When in the pharynx, the horse will present 
symptoms of distress, such as hurried breathing, frequent cough, 
excessive flow of saliva, sweating, trembling, or stamping of the 
forefeet, and there may be bloating. Manipulating upper part of 
throat and examination by hand, will discover obstruction. If 
farther down, the object will form a tumor on left side of neck, 
which may be both seen and felt. Symptoms are not so severe; 
horse will draw himself up, arch his neck, and sometimes utter 
a loud grunt; has anxious look and tries to vomit; saliva and 
mucus flowing from the nose. If choke is close to the stomach, 
the symptoms are still less severe. Horse will eject food or water 
through nose or mouth, after a few swallows are taken. There 
are some distress symptoms, cough, and occasionally attempts at 
vomiting in this form of choke. The probang would determine 
the question if an obstruction were present. 

Treatment. — 

If in the pharynx or the beginning of the gullet, try and 
remove through the mouth, putting a gag in the mouth to pro- 
tect the hand. While one is trying to grasp object, have another 
press upward on object from below. Give a little oil carefully to 
lubricate obstruction and gullet. Persevere, as continued effort 
may get obstacle farther toward the mouth or cause it to be car- 
ried on to the stomach. If all means fail, then use the probang 
in endeavor to push it down. A half -inch hose answers very 
well for a probang. It can be stiffened, if necessary, by putting 
twisted wire in it, being sure the wire does not project beyond 
the lower end. To pass the probang, back the horse into a 
corner, have a man on each side take an ear in one hand, and one 
place the other hand on his nose, the other place his hand under 
the lower jaw. Straighten the head on the neck as much as pos- 
sible; oil the hose well, pass it into the mouth over the back of 
the tongue into the gullet; press gently until it enters the gullet, 
then pass rapidly until it strikes the obstruction; then by gentle 
but firm pressure try and dislodge it and push it into the stomach. 
It is some seven or eight feet from the front of the mouth to the 
stomach. The horse is apt to "choke down" in using a probang; 
if it occurs withdraw the probang at once. If the obstruction 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 107 

will not dislodge, mix i Yz teaspoonfuls Fluid Extract of Bella- 
donna with V2 teacupful melted lard, place a funnel in one end of 
the hose, pass it down onto the obstruction, then elevate the fun- 
nel and pour the lard mixture into it; after giving the mixture 
time to run down onto the obstruction, remove the probang and 
wait from one-half to one hour, and then try again to dislodge 
it with the probang. Never use any hard, stiff body for a pro- 
bang. 

If lower in the throat give a little oil carefully, and then 
manipulate with the hand. If oats, begin at lower part and 
squeeze off a little at a time. Continue trying for an hour at 
least before resorting to more dangerous modes of treatment. 
If the manipulations fail, then the probang may be resorted to. 
The lower form of choke can only be treated by the careful use 
of the probang. As a last resort, if in the neck region, the 
substance is cut down onto, and removed through an opening. 
Avoiding large blood vessels and nerves, an incision is made down 
onto the top of the obstruction, the opening being as small as 
possible and accomplish the object. When done, draw the cut 
together with catgut or silk and dress it twice a day with Carbolic 
lotion; 

Carbolic Acid 4 drachms. 

Water i pint. 

Feed on sloppy diet for a week or more. A veterinarian 
should be called for the operation and in all severe cases where 
possible. 

DILATATION OR ENLARGEMENT OF THE 
ESOPHAGUS, OR GULLET.— 

Causes. — Mostly from choking, and is due to a rupture or 
stretching of the muscular coat of the gullet, allowing the 
internal or mucous coat to form a pouch. 

Symptoms. — Horse will be able to eat a few mouthfuls with- 
out apparent distress; then he will suddenly paw, contract the 
muscles of his neck, and eject a portion of the food through nose 
or mouth. As the dilatation thus empties itself the symptoms 
subside, only to reappear as he again takes solid food; or each 
bolus as it is swallowed may lodge in the enlargement, to be 



io8 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

pushed out by the one following; in this case a little pressure or 
a swallow of water causes the bolus to pass on. 

Treatment. — 

Is not very satisfactory; a drachm of Fluid Extract of Bella- 
donna and 2 drachms of Alum, two or three times a day, may 
help. 

GOITRE, OR ENLARGEMENT OF THE THYROID 

GLAND. — This gland is situated on the under side of the neck, 
about five to eight inches below the angle of the lower jaw, on 
each side of the windpipe. 

Cause. — The cause is not known. 

Symptoms. — Gland is enlarged; it is movable, insensitive, 
and grows slowly. 

Treatment. — 

Wash once a day with hot water and soap; then when dry, 
apply the Iodine Ointment, as recommended in ' ' Thickening of 
the Parotid Gland. ' ' One-half drachm of Tincture of Iodine can 
be injected into the enlarged gland with a hypodermic syringe. 
Treatment should begin early. 

SWELLING AROUND HEAD AND THROAT.- 

This is sometimes noticed when a horse is first turned out to 
pasture for a few days, and might be thought something serious. 

Cause. — It is caused by a flow of blood to the head when 
horse has his head to the ground, induced by the change of feed- 
ing from a manger to the ground. 

Symptoms. — There is apparent swelling around jaws and 
throat. When examined there is no tenderness, and animal is 
sound in every other way. If brought in and fed where he will 
hold his head higher, the enlargement disappears. 

Treatment. — 

In many cases no treatment is needed, but if the blood is 
not in the right condition, give him a few doses of the following: 

Nitrate of Potash 4 ounces. 

Sulphur 4 " 

Mix and give i tablespoonful every night and 
morning; a light laxative may also be of value. 




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DISEASES OF THE HORSE 109 

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND 
BOWELS 



IMPACTION OF THE STOMACH — STOMACH 
STAGGERS — GORGED STOMACH.— These are terms 
given to the stomach when it is so distended with food as to lose 
the power of contracting on its contents. 

Causes. — Overfeeding, especially after a long fast; getting 
access to the grain bin and eating ravenously; getting into grain 
field. 

Symptoms. — Horse becomes dull and drowsy; slight colicky 
symptoms; rarely lies down; carries his head extended and low, 
nearly to the ground. Dullness increases, eyes partially closed; 
vision impaired; presses his head against the manger and sides of 
stall; paws or even climbs with his forefeet. Respiration less 
frequent than in health, and pulse slow and sluggish. Symptoms 
increase in severity; he becomes delirious; covered with cold 
sweat; trembles violently; slobbers or vomits a sour, fermenting 
mass; staggers from side to side when moved, or plunges violently 
about until he drops dead. Symptoms resemble somewhat "mad 
staggers," but if one gets the cause — ravenous eating after a fast, 
etc. — there need be no confounding of diseases. 

Treatment. — 

Those drugs should be given which will stimulate the stom- 
ach to activity. Give the mixture recommended for "Colic;" 
repeat in from one-half to one hour, and again in two hours, and 
then once in three hours. If suffering is intense, give from 3 to 
5 grains of Morphine and repeat as conditions indicate. Drachm 
doses of the Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica once in two or three 
hours, in addition to the colic mixture, is good. If bloating is 
present, give the drugs as recommended in "Tympanites of the 
Stomach." After recovery, give for a week or two the tonics 
recommended under "Chronic Indigestion." 

A purgative of Barbadoes Aloes or ?<{ pound of Epsom Salts 
should be given after the acute symptoms have passed. If colic 



no THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

mixture is not at hand, stimulate the stomach to action by giving 
y^ ounce doses Cayenne Pepper or Jamaica Ginger. Injections 
into the rectum of: 

Turpentine. 2 ounces. 

Linseed Oil 8 

may stimulate the bowels to act, and thus in a measure relieve 
the stomach. Cold applications to the head for the cerebral 
loymptoms may be of benefit in some cases. 

When an animal overeats, give treatment at once; do not 
wait for symptoms to appear. 

TYMPANITES OF THE STOMACH — ACUTE 
INDIGESTION. — This disease corresponds to "hoven" or 
blown in cattle. 

Causes. — Overloading the stomach with young, succulent, 
growing food; overfeeding, particularly if given immediately 
before or after hard work. Some think to fit their horse for a 
hard journey by giving an extra allowance of oats or other food 
just before starting. A violation of any of the correct principles 
of feeding. 

Symptoms. — Horse grows dull and listless; sweats profusely; 
attempts to lie down; head is carried forward and downward; if 
checked up, is heavy on the reins; stumbles or blunders forward, 
and sometimes falls. If looked at carefully, is seen to be unusually 
full over the posterior ribs; flanks may also be distended. On 
placing the ear to the horse's windpipe a distinct metallic sound 
can be heard, as of air rushing through the windpipe; it is gas 
coming up through the gullet. Such cases are rapid in their 
course and often fatal. 

Treatment. — 

Must be prompt and energetic. Give the mixture recom- 
mended for "Colic" and in addition to stop the bloating give: 

Hyposulphite of Soda 4 ounces. 

Water K pint. 



Or: 



Salicylic Acid 4 drachms. 

Raw Linseed Oil 4 ounces. 

Repeat in one-half hour. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE in 

An ounce of Turpentine in a pint of Oil is helpful in case of 
bloating. If medicines fail, pass one-half inch hose into the 
stomach as described under "Choking." Charcoal in large doses 
is good. 

After the acute symptoms have passed, give Aloes or Salts 
as in preceding disorder, and also follow with the digestive tonic. 

RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH.— This mostly occurs 
as the result of engorged or tympanitic stomach; and from the 
horse throwing himself violently when so affected. It may result 
from disease of the coats of the stomach, gastritis, stones or 
calculi, tumors, or anything closing the opening of the stomach 
into the intestines, and from very violent pulling, or jumping, 
after animal has eaten heartily of bulky food. 

Symptoms. — Are not constant or reliable. Horse will sit on 
haunches, and turn up his nose, as in "Colic" or "Enteritis;" will 
try to vomit, and this is a characteristic symptom. As case pro- 
gresses horse will often stretch forward the fore legs, lean back- 
wards and downwards until the belly nearly touches the ground, 
and then rise up again with a groan, after which the fluid from his 
nostrils is issued in increased quantity. Pulse fast and weak; 
breathing hurried; body bathed in clammy sweat; limbs tremble 
violently; horse reels and staggers from side to side, and ulti- 
mately dies. 

Treatment. — 

The postmortem reveals the exact condition. There is no 
treatment that is any use whatever. There is a possibility, how- 
ever, of a mistake in diagnosis, and Powdered Opium in i drachm 
doses, or i ounce doses of Laudanum may be given every two or 
three hours, to keep the stomach as quiet as possible. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH— GASTRI- 
TIS. — This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of 
the stomach. 

Causes. — Generally due to mechanical irritation, or to giving 
irritant or corrosive poisons in too large doses, or without suflS- 
cient dilution. 



112 THK PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — Are not well marked; there are febrile symp- 
toms, the temperature ranging from 104 to 106 degrees; the pulse 
is rapid, small and hard; colicky pains; attempts at vomiting; 
intense thirst. When produced by poisons there will be symp- 
toms referable to that particular poison. If due to salts of Lead, 
there is difficult or labored breathing, abdominal pains, partial 
paralysis of extensor muscles, tottering gait, convulsions and 
death. Gradual lead poisoning would differ somewhat. Out of 
condition; loss of appetite; staring coat; constipation; watery 
swellings under the jaws; gray or blue line along the margin 
of the gums; progressive paralysis, noted at first in anterior 
extremities; colicky pains. Chronic poisoning may be expected 
where horses are pastured near paint works, or around newly 
painted buildings, where paint kegs are left in the fields, where 
horses may get small particles of lead in the food, where soft 
water runs through lead pipes, or where drinking water is drawn 
from cisterns or wells containing lead. 

Treatment. — 

If from acute lead poisoning, give 30 to 60 drops Sulphuric 
Acid, well diluted with water, milk, white of eggs, oils, and 
Linseed gruel or tea If chronic from gradual lead poisoning, 
give Epsom Salts in from ^ to i pound doses. Iodide Potassium 
in I drachm doses, two or three times a day is good. If not due 
to lead, give the following: 

Morphine 3 to 5 grains. 

Subnitrate of Bismuth 2 drachms. 

Linseed Meal Gruel i pint. 

Give as one dose; repeat three to five times a 
day. 

Bggs in milk are also good. For the fever give: 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i drachm. 

Fluid Extract Aconite 10 drops. 

Saltpeter 2 drachms. 

Give in the gruel three or four times a day. 

Give water in small quantities frequently. Follow recovery 
with the tonics as in preceding disorders. 




The. tuiiilt. 



BOTS. 
(1) BOTS IN THE STOMACH. (8) BOTS IN THE DUODENUM. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 113 

BOTS. — The common gad-fly (gastrophilus equi) attacks 
horses in summer, its purpose being not to get food but to deposit 
its eggs. The parts selected being the shoulder, base of neck, 
and fore legs, especially about the knees, for in these places the 
horse will have no difficulty in reaching the eggs with his tongue. 
When the animal licks the spots where the eggs have been 
deposited, the heat and moisture hatches them out, and the little 
bots are transferred to the stomach, where they attach themselves 
to the coat of the stomach by two little hooklets on the head, 
and there remain for several months until they reach their growth 
as bots; they sometimes attach themselves at other points along 
the digestive tract, as in the pharynx, or in the intestines. When 
this time arrives, generally in the early spring, they let go their 
hold and are carried out in the feces. They then bury them- 
selves in the earth for a period of six or seven weeks, and finally 
emerge as perfect winged insects to carry forward the work of 
depositing eggs. They have no mouth parts and do not bite the 
horse, and yet they cause a great deal of annoyance. 

The opinion that is commonly entertained that bots cause 
colicky pains is erroneous. All kinds of treatment, varied and 
heroic has been resorted to by horsemen to cure the animal of the 
so-called ailment, such as slapping the horse on the belly to make 
the bots let go, etc., but the universal verdict of veterinarians is, 
that it is rare that bots produce any appreciable disturbance 
whatever. The opinion has been sometimes given out in a case 
where the stomach has been ruptured through distension by 
gases, bots being present, that "bots have eaten through the 
stomach." Bots never do this. They might be in such numbers 
as to slightly interfere with digestion, or might at once let go in 
such a mass as to clog the opening of the bowels, or be attached 
in such numbers around the opening as to partially clog it, but 
such instances would be rare indeed. 

Treatment. — 

Prevention is the best treatment. Keep the legs and shoulders 
free from the eggs during summer and autumn. Medicines will 
not loosen them from the stomach. In May and June when the 
bots loosen their hold and come away in large numbers, remember 



114 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

it is the natural course of events, and that the animal will soon 
be free from them. Ordinarily it is not necessary to even remove 
the eggs, but when present in large numbers it would be well to 
wash the parts once or twice a week with warm soap suds. The 
warm water will hatch the bots and they will be washed off. By 
examining the eggs with a hand lens, those that have hatched can 
be recognized, as the little cap at one end is off. 

CHRONIC INDIGESTION.— The disturbances of diges- 
tion included under this head are not so pronounced as to produce 
colic, yet as this is one of the most common troubles of the 
alimentary tract, it deserves more than passing attention. 

Causes. — Improper food and feeding at improper times; 
irregular or decayed teeth ; bolting the food ; overeating ; too 
much rough food; defective secretions, etc., are causes of this 
disorder. 

Symptoms. — Irregular appetite, refusing food at times, and 
eating ravenously at others — eating everything within reach. 
Appetite is also depraved, eating unusual things, as soiled bedding, 
wood, his own feces; bowels irregular; food passing with but 
little change — grain whole and hay in impacted masses; frequent 
passing of wind with a sour odor; light attacks of colic. Animal 
loses flesh; sweats easily, tires easily, loses spirits. Skin presents 
a dry, hard appearance, and is tight (hide-bound). Hair is 
long, harsh and rough. If all or a part of these symptoms are 
present, the trouble is without doubt indigestion. 

Treatment. — 

First look to the cause and remove it. Give water to 
drink before feeding. Gradually change the feed to another 
kind, and give the best of food — feed a balanced ration; do not 
overfeed, and do not allow animal to eat bedding or dirty 
food of any kind. If in season, turn out to grass for three or 
four months. Examine the teeth carefully, rasping down or 
extracting if case requires. If due to bolting food, feed in a large 
manger, where the grain can be spread so thin as to compel horse 
to eat slowly. Carrots, turnips, or apples are good. A ph3'sic 
^iven at the outset is of benefit — an ounce of Aloes, or a pint of 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 115 

Linseed Oil. Give regular exercise, but do not overwork. Use 

a mixture of oats, bran and linseed meal, instead of corn, for a 

grain ration; clover instead of timothy hay. Medicinally, use the 

following: 

Gentian 8 ounces. 

Bicarbonate Soda 8 *' 

Nux Vomica 4 " 

Arsenic i drachm. 

Mix thoroughly; dose, tablespoon level full 
morning and night in moistened grain. 

At noon give the following: 

Sulphate of Iron 4 ounces. 

Saltpeter 4 " 

Mix thoroughly; dose, tablespoon level full, 
given in moistened grain at noon. 

In some cases the following will give better results than the 

Iron and Saltpeter mixture, and can be used instead: 

Nitrohydrochloric Acid i>4 ounces. 

Liquid Chloride of Iron lyi " 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: i ounce in 4 ounces of water; give in 
grain. 

Give the medicine for two or three weeks, withhold a week 
and then give again, continuing in this manner until cured. 
These cases often require treatment for six months or a year. 

SPASMODIC, OR CRAMP COLIC— The name given to 
that form of colic produced by contraction or spasm of a portion 
of the small intestines. 

Cattses. — Indigestible food; sudden changes in feeding, or 
feeding at improper times; foreign bodies, as nails or stones; large 
drinks of cold water; driving horse through deep streams in 
heated condition; cold rains; drafts of air; worms, etc. 

Symptoms. — These should be studied carefully in order to 
distinguish from other forms of colic requiring quite different 
treatment. Spasmodic colic begins suddenly; if feeding, horse 
will stop abruptly, stamp impatiently, and look backwards. 
Soon shows pain by pawing, suddenly lying down, rolling, and 
getting up. Then an interval in which he resumes feeding. In 
a little while pains return and are increased, only to pass off for a 



ii6 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

time. As attack progresses the intervals of ease become shorter, 
and pain more intense. Animal will throw himself down, roll 
over and over, jump up, whirl about, drop down again, paw, or 
strike with the front feet, steam and sweat, make frequent 
attempts to pass water, and penis partially erected. Only a 
small amount of water is passed, as bladder is so frequently 
emptied. The pulse is about normal in the intervals, but runs 
up during the attacks. The temperature remains normal, or 
nearly so. Pressure on the bowels seem to relieve, which is not 
the case in inflammation. 

Treatment, — 

Give a roomy box stall, bedded, and let animal maneuver at 
will. Do not run the animal; a little walking exercise is not 
hurtful. Anti-spasmotics are indicated. Give i ounce Chloral 
Hydrate as a drench in ^ pint of water. Another good remedy is: 

Sulphuric Ether i ounce. 

Laudanum 2 " 

Linseed Oil % pint. 

Still another is: 

Alcohol 2 ounces. 

Sulphuric Ether i ounce. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i drachm. 

Water % pint. 

A favorite remedy with many is: 

Sweet Spirits Niter i ounce. 

Laudanum i " 

Ginger i tablespoonful. 

Baking Soda i " 

Water i pint. 

Mix, and give as a drench. 

The following is also a good colic mixture: 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia %, ounce. 

Sulphuric Ether % '• 

Fluid Extract Jaborandi 2 drachms. 

Fluid Extract Calibar Bean %. drachm . 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i drachm. 

Water to make y^ pint. 

Give as one dose; repeat in one-half to one 
hour if necessary, and again in an hour if cir- 
cumstances require. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 117 

If any bloating is present, give in addition the remedies 
recommended in the next disorder. 

One-half pint Whiskey in hot water is good when nothing 
else is at hand. Cloths wrung out in hot water to which a little 
Turpentine has been added and applied to the abdomen if animal 
is quiet enough, will be of use in severe cases, or the belly may 
be rubbed with stimulating liniments, or Mustard paste. In- 
jection per rectum of warm, soapy water, or salt and water, 
lukewarm, and from 3 to 6 quarts in amount, will aid in the 
cure. Repeat in one-half hour if necessary. Always follow a 
recovery from colic with from a pint to a quart dose of Raw Lin- 
seed Oil. And give the tonics as in "Chronic Indigestion" for a 
week or two. 

FLATULENT COLIC— TYMPANITES— WIND 
COLIC— BLOAT.— 

Causes. — Sudden changes in food; too long fasting, and food 
given while horse is exhausted; large quantities of green food; 
sour, indigestible food; irregular teeth; or anything that produces 
indigestion 

Symptoms. — Are not so suddenly developed, nor so severe as in 
"Spasmodic or Cramp Colic." Resembles "Acute Indigestion," 
only the seat of the trouble is in the bowels instead of the stom- 
ach. At first horse is dull, paws slightly, and may or may not 
lie down. Pains are continuous from the start; belly enlarges, and 
by striking it in front of haunches, a drum-like sound is heard, 
most noticeable on the right side. Symptoms are aggravated if 
not relieved, and in addition there is difl&cult breathing; profuse 
sweat; trembling of front limbs; sighing respiration; staggering 
and death. 

Treatment. — 

Give the "Colic" mixture the same as in "Spasmodic Colic," 

and in addition the following to correct the bloating: 

Hyposulphite of Soda 4 ounces. 

Water Yz pint. 

Or: 

Salicylic Acid 4 drachms. 

Raw Linseed Oil Yz pint. 



ii8 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

If neither of these are at hand, i ounce of Turpentine in a 
pint of Oil is of value; repeat these in about half an hour, and 
again in an hour if necessary. 

Give injections per rectum and use applications to abdomen 
as in "Spasmodic Colic." 

Give a roomy place, but do not allow horse to throw himself 
violently; if he lies down carefully, let him do so and roll. 

If the medicines do not stop the bloating, resort to tapping, 
using the horse trocar and canula. Tap in the right flank in the 
center of the triangular space between the point of the hip and 
the last rib. Wash the place first with Carbolic Acid solution: 

Carbolic Acid ^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Also wash the instrument in the same; have the point of the 
trocar sharp; standing well forward, place the point of the trocar 
at the right place, direct it downward and forward and press it in 
nearly the whole length; withdraw the trocar and the gas will 
escape through the canula; if the gas does not come out, with- 
draw the canula part way, change the direction and insert again, 
Leave the canula in until all the gas escapes. If necessary to 
tap a second time, do so a little to one side of the other place. 
After removing the canula, wash the place with the Carbolic 
solution. 

Give the same after-treatment as with "Spasmodic Colic," 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS— ENTERI- 
TIS. — This is an inflammation of the lining of the bowels, and 
may extend to, and involve the muscular and even serous coats. 

Catises. — Food that has sand or clay in it; continuation of 
colic; corrosive poisons; exposure to cold after an exhaustive 
drive; driving through deep streams of cold water when heated; 
musty, bad food; and over-feeding. 

Symptoms. — The early symptoms resemble those of "Colic," 
but in the course of an hour or two the following will be noticed: 
Membranes of nose, mouth, and eyes are congested and red- 
dened; mouth hot and dry; respirations are increased; sweating; 
pulse hard and rapid; temperature 103 to 106 F. This distin- 
guishes it from "Colic." Colic pains are continuous. Horse 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 119 

walks about the stall, paws, lies down carefully, may start to lie 
down, get down part way, but get up again, and when down, 
frequently turns himself upon his back by side of stall and re- 
mains for sometime. Bowels are usually sluggish and inactive, 
unless caused by irritant food or medicines, in which case purg- 
ing or bloating may be present. The high pulse, fever, con- 
tinuous pain, which is increased on pressure, position of horse 
when down, coldness of ears and legs, etc., are characteristics of 
the disease. Duration of complaint is usually from ten to fifteen 
hours, but may extend over a longer time. Very frequently fatal. 

Treatment. — 

Give every three to four hours: 

Powdered Opitim 1 to 2 drachms. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna I drachm. 

Fluid Extract Aconite 10 drops. 

Saltpeter 2 drachms. 

Water % pint 

Mix and give as one dose. 

Or, the following may be used: 

Laudanum 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract Aconite Root.... 10 to 15 drops. 

Baking Soda i tablespoouful. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i drachm. 

Mix and give as a drench in }i pint of 
water, repeating every two or three hours until 
relieved. 

As a rule, purgatives and injections should not be given, as 
the bowels should be kept quiet. Blankets wrung out in hot 
water and applied to the belly, and covered with a dry blanket, 
changing to keep hot, are good; or stimulating liniments, or 
Mustard paste, rubbed over the abdomen, with hot salt in a bag 
applied over the kidneys, will be of benefit. During convales- 
cence give linseed tea, oatmeal gruel, bran mashes, grass if in 
season, avoiding all hard indigestible foods; if the bowels do not 
act, encourage by walking exercise and injections of soapy water 
in rectum. If these fail, give a pint of Linseed Oil and repeat 
every six to eight hours until bowels respond. Use the tonic as for 
"Chronic Indigestion" for a week or two. 



I20 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

PERITONITIS. — This is an inflammation of the lining of 
the abdominal cavity, and of the outer covering of the bowels. 
Duration, a week or more, but may kill in a few hours. 

Causes. — Wounds in the abdomen; severe blows or kicks; 
castration; tapping and other operations; exposures of various 
kinds; and extension of inflammation from organs covered by 
the peritoneum. 

Symptoms. — Generally preceded by a chill; not disposed to 
move; seems stiff and sore; paws with front feet, and strikes at 
belly with hind ones; lies down carefully, but as pain is increased, 
remains standing most of time; constipated; pressure on belly 
gives pain; horse will bite, strike or kick, if so disturbed. 
Temperature is higher than normal — 103 to 104 F.; pulse 
quickened — 70 to 90 a minute, and is hard and wiry. The symp- 
toms resemble quite closely those of "Inflammation of Bowels." 
If extensive is generally fatal; if death does not occur soon, 
disease may assume a chronic form, and there is an effusion of 
water in the belly cavity, constituting what is known as ascites 
or dropsy of the abdomen, in which case a baggy condition of 
the abdomen is produced. 

Treatment. — 

Give from i to 2 ounces of Laudanum every two to four 
hours to allay the pain, and also the following to control the in- 
flammation : 

Alcohol 4 ounces. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite i drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make I pint. 

Shake; dose, 2 ounces three to five times a day. 

If the temperature gets high, give one drachm of Acetanilid 
and I j4 ounces of Alcohol in }4 pint of water twice a day. Use 
hot applications to the abdomen, as in "Inflammation of the 
Bowels," also the liniment or Mustard paste; these are very im- 
portant in this disorder. If the animal shows a desire for food, 
give a little that will be easily digested. After two or three days 
give 20 to 30 drops of Fluid Extract of Digitalis with each dose 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 121 

of the above mixture. If the disease follows castration, flush out 

the wound well two or three times a day with a Carbolic Acid 

solution: 

Carbolic Acid % ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Use a syringe in flushing out. If a yearling colt, use about 
one- fourth the above dose of medicine internally. 

Use injections to unload the bowels and oil to move them 
during convalescence. 

The treatment in case the serum collects in the cavity will be 
found under "Ascites." 

IMPACTION OF THE LARGE INTESTINE,— 

This is a very common trouble and one which if not promptly 
recognized and treated, results in death. 

Symptoms. — There are at first slight abdominal pains, resem- 
bling mild case of "Colic," which may disappear for a time, to 
reappear with more violence; feces are passed in the early stages, 
but in smaller quantities and more dry; abdomen feels full, but not 
distended with gas; horse paws and looks at his sides. A striking 
symptom is that he will lie flat on his side, head and legs extended, 
but raises head to look at flanks, and remaining in this position 
from five to fifteen minutes at a time, seemingly in this shape 
easiest. Gets up, walks about the stall, paws, looks at his sides, 
backs up against stall, pressing it with his tail, or rubs his tail, (a 
very characteristic symptom), but soon lies down again. Bowels 
cease to move after twenty-four hours; at first temperature is 
normal, but rises as inflammation sets in; pulse is accelerated 
and gets harder as disease advances. If not relieved horse may 
live a week, or even two weeks, but may not live over four or 
five days, dying as the result of inflammation. 

Treatment. — 

Consists of moving the bowels and preventing inflammation. 
Give the following: 

Aloes I ounce. 

Calomel i drachm. 

Give in form of a pill, or in a pint of Linseed 
Meal gruel. 



122 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Also give the "Colic" mixture three or four times a day, adding 
to it each time i drachm of Fluid Extract Nux Vomica. Also 
give two or three times a day a pint of raw Linseed Oil. If the 
dose of Aloes does not act in the course of thirty-six hours, re- 
peat, using three- fourths of the dose, or give three- fourths pound 
of Epsom Salts, and repeat again if no movement is produced in 
thirty-six hours more. Give injections per rectum, as in "Colic," 
repeating four or five times a day; the following can be substi- 
tuted for the water injection once or twice a day. 

Turpentine i ounce. 

Glycerine 2 ounces. 

Raw I/inseed Oil i pint. 

Rubbing or kneading the belly, and the application of 

stimulating liniments, or strong mustard water, will also favor 

expulsion of feces. If pain is intense, give from 3 to 5 grains of 

Morphine three or four times a day. Give occasional walking 

exercise; give all the water the animal will drink; scalded oats 

or bran mash, if food is desired. If recovery does not take place 

in the course of four to six days, death is apt to result, but not 

necessarily so. As a last resort, 20 to 30 drops of Croton Oil 

may be given in a pint of Linseed Oil. Follow recovery with 

digestive tonics. 

DIARRHEA, OR SUPERPURGATION.— This is the 

opposite of constipation. 

Causes. — Eating musty or moldy food; drinking stagnant 
water; bad condition of teeth; eating irritating substances; being 
kept in low marshy pastures; exposure during cold nights; low, 
damp stables; or to some diseased or inflammatory condition of 
the intestinal canal, or some of the internal organs attached. 
Some horses are predisposed to it. Superpurgation is from an 
overdose of physic. 

Symptoms. — Frequent evacuations of liquid manure, with or 
without pain; loss of appetite; emaciation, etc. 

Treatment. — 

At times this is simple, but requires care and judgment. If 
from bad food or conditions, change them. If from some irri- 
tation in the intestines, give a pint to a quart dose of Oil, and 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 123 

the trouble will generally disappear with the operation. If, 
however, it continues, give scorched wheat flour in water, starch 
water, white oak bark tea, a teaspoonful of Copperas, or y^, 
drachm doses of Sulphuric Acid in ^ pint of water twice or 
thrice daily. A dose of i drachm of Opium, or i or 2 ounces 
of lyaudanum, and ^ ounce Subnitrate Bismuth, repeated three 
times a day, is very good. Where there is no reason to suspect 
irritation the following will be found beneficial: 

Tincture Catechu i ounce. 

Ginger i tablespoonful. 

Baking Soda i " 

Mix and give in i pint coffee about as used 
at the table, repeating every four and five hours 
until relieved. 

If other remedies fail give one ounce of the following: 

Corrosive Sublimate 5 grains. 

Water Yt pint. 

Repeat every two hours until relieved. 

Give water to drink, but in small quantities, and in the water 
put a handful of wheat flotu". Follow with digestive tonic as in 
' ' Chronic Indigestion. ' ' 

If from superpurgation, give flour and water to drink, and 
if this does not check, then give the same as in diarrhea. In 
addition to this give Brandy in 2 to 4 ounce doses with milk and 
eggs four or five times a day. 

BLOODY FLUX, OR DYSENTERY.— This disease is 
characterized by coffee-colored or bloody discharges, that are very 
offensive in odor, and are passed with much straining. 

Causes. — Most common cause is keeping young horses in par- 
ticular, for a long time on low, wet marshy pastures without other 
feed; exposure during wet weather; decomposed foods; stagnant 
water; and as a sequel of a severe attack of diarrhea. 

Symptoms. — A chill is the initial symptom, but this may pass 
unnoticed. Discharges are offensive and liquid, with shreds of 
membrane and blood; much straining; horse lies down a great 
deal; pulse and temperature higher than normal; may or may not 
eat, but rapidly loses flesh and becomes a sorry looking object. 
Thirst is a prominent symptom. 



124 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Care and feed are most important in this disease. First put 
in dry, warm, well- ventilated stable. Give frequent rubbings of 
the surface of the body, and blanket, with bandage on legs. Water 
must be given in small quantities, and food that is light and easily 
digested. First give % to i pint of Castor or Linseed Oil and 2 
ounces Laudanum. Follow this with the same treatment as for 
" Diarrhea." If animal becomes weak, give: 

Alcohol I ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Water Yz pint. 

Give as one dose; repeat three times a day. 

Follow recovery with the digestive tonics as in "Chronic In- 
digestion." 

TWIST IN THE BO WELS — GUT-TIE— VOLVU- 
LUS. — These are terms applied to the bowels when twisted or 
knotted. 

Cause. — An uncommon accident, and results from the way a 
horse throws himself about when attacked with spasmodic colic, 
or sometimes, perhaps, in rolling. 

Symptoms. — It is very hard to be sure of this disease, as 
symptoms are similar at first to impaction of the bowels, and then 
to inflammation of the bowels. There are no passages; animal 
sits on his haunches, sweats and seems in great distress; pulse 
grows weaker and weaker; there is slight bloating; bowels be- 
come inflamed where twist is, and death results. 

Treatment. — 

If sure of the case, little can be done but to make animal 
easy by giving Powdered Opium in 1 to 2 drachm doses every 
three or four hours, or in place of this, i ounce of Laudanum 
every hour or two. In rare instances bowel rights itself and 
animal recovers. 

INTUSSUSCEPTION, OR INVAGINATION.— This 

is the slipping of a portion of the intestine into another, like a 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 125 

partially turned glove finger. It may occur at any part of the 
bowel, but is most common in the small intestines, or where the 
small intestine empties into the large intestine. 

Causes. — Most likely to occur in horses that are suffering from 
spasm of the bowels, or where a small portion of gut is paralyzed. 
May also occur in any abdominal trouble, as "Diarrhea," "In- 
flammation of the Bowels," etc. 

Symptoms. — There are no characteristic symptoms; in some 
cases none except constipation. Colic pains, more or less severe, 
with no passages of dung, are observed. Severe straining is some- 
times noted; as disease advances, profuse sweat, sighing, anxious 
countenance, and cold ears and legs are attendant. In some cases 
the part slipped into the other sloughs off and is passed out in the 
dung. The parts make a new union and horse recovers. 

Treatment. — 

As the case cannot be definitely diagnosed, the same treat- 
ment as for "Impaction of the Intestines," or "Inflammation" is 
used, but the treatment is unsuccessful, the animal dying, and a 
postmortem reveals the true condition. 

BALLS FOUND IN THE BOWELS— INTESTINAL 
CALCULI. — These are generally found in the large bowels, 
though they may be found sometimes in the small intestines. 
May weigh from i to 10 pounds; be single or multiple, and differ 
much in make-up and appearance. Some are soft, some porous, 
and some hard and stone-like. Hair balls, so common in cattle, 
are rare in horses. 

Causes. — Feeding sweepings of a mill floor; swallowing nails, 
pieces of wood, or something of that kind. On some of these 
foreign bodies, as a nucleus, layers are formed around until, in 
some instances they reach very large sizes, and obstruct the 
bowels, causing inflammation and death. 

Symptoms. — Are those of obstruction of the bowels. There 
are no characteristic symptoms, but some weight is given to 
symptom of sitting on the haunches, like a dog, though this 
occurs in other diseases. 



126 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

In first symptoms, give a good dose of physic, and follow 
with treatment as for " Impaction of the Intestines," and in cases 
where the disease is suspected, oil hand and pass it into the rec- 
tum, and if ball is found, remove it with the hand. Postmortem 
reveals the true condition. 

TUMORS OR ABSCESSES IN THE RECTUM, OR 
BACK BOWEL.— 

Causes. — From constipation; or from injury to parts in treat- 
ment. 

Symptoms. — Are most marked when passing manure. There 
is severe pain in passing, and in some cases horse will lie down 
on account of distress. If tumor or abscess is large, there will 
be straining, but no passages. 
Treatment. — 

If there is an abscess, and examination shows it is ready to 
open, do so, using a small knife or lance, allowing matter to 
escape. If a tumor, and can be reached, remove by cutting it off. 
The after-treatment is to give raw Linseed Oil, and feeding 
boiled flaxseed in the feed to keep the bowels loose. A veteri- 
narian best be employed for the operations. 

PROTRUSION OF THE RECTUM, OR BACK 
BOWEL.— 

Causes. — Jumping fences and getting half way over; from 
excessive bloating in "Wind Colic;" from "Diarrhea;" and 
straining in "Constipation." Also occurs in foaling and in cas- 
tration of an old stallion. 

Symptoms. — Are obvious; large red tumor at anus. 

Treatment. 

Wash bowel with cold water; place a twitch on the horse's 

nose, and have front leg held up so he cannot kick; oil the bowel 

with: 

Olive Oil 3 ounces, 

Laudanum i ounce. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 127 

Commence returning the bowel at the anus, and gently re- 
turn it; shove the parts well back in with hand and arm, and 
have some one hold his tail down tight for an hour or more, or 
until he stops straining, after the bowel is replaced. It is well, 
also, to have hind parts raised by straw or boards under the hind 
feet. Give the following to move bowels and relieve pain: 

Raw Linseed Oil i quart. 

Laudanum i ounce. 

Shake together. 

Feed soft food, with boiled Linseed Meal in it to keep bowels 
loose. Give 3 to 5 grains of Morphine and i drachm Fluid Ex- 
tract Belladonna three or four times a day to stop straining. 
Also prepare the following: 

Alum Yz ounce, 

Laudanum I " 

Warm water i pint, 

And inject into the rectum three times a day. If caused by con- 
stipation, treat as for that disease. 

PILES— HEMORRHOIDS.— Not a common condition, 
but sometimes occurs. 

Causes. — Constipation, irritation or injuries, or from severe 
straining in dysentery. 

Symptoms. — After manuring, bright red irregular tumors are 
seen in rectum. They may be visible at all times, or be seen 
when horse is down. 

Treatment. — 

Attention should be paid to bowels; they should be soft, but 
purging should be avoided. If tumors protrude, wash them with 
warm water i pint. Alum 2 ounces, and then return them. Inject 
the same solution into the rectum. Give the animal the digestive 
tonics as recommended for "Chronic Indigestion." 

DROPSY OF THE BELLY — ASCITES.— This is a 

collection of liquid in the belly cavity. It may be clear, but gen- 
erally is yellowish or reddish in color. 

Causes. — Generally a result of other diseases, as acute or 
chronic peritonitis, and diseases of liver and kidneys. 



128 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — Slight tenderness on pressure; awkward gait in 
hind legs. Horse is dull and may have slight colic pains, shown 
by looking back and striking belly with hind feet. Bowels 
alternately constipated and loose, but diarrhea at last. By tap- 
ping on the belly and sides, there is a dull sound, and it extends 
to same height on both sides. By suddenly striking or pushing 
the belly, the sound of liquid can be heard. In advanced cases 
the horse becomes pot-bellied, and dropsical swellings are seen on 
belly and legs. 

Treatment. — 

Encourage appetite by giving the best of food to eat, and 
gentle exercise. Then give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Digitalis 6 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica i>^ ounces. 

Iodide of Potash I ounce. 

Nitrate of Potash 3 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose, i ounce three times a day. 

In severe cases tapping is resorted to by puncturing the floor 
of the abdominal wall with a small trocar and canula and allow- 
ing the fluid to flow off; but this calls for the services of a veter- 
inarian, if one can possibly be secured. 

LONG ROUND WORMS (LUMBRICI).— This is a 

worm that infests chiefly the small intestines, and is much like 
the common earth or angle worm in appearance, except it is 
white to reddish in color, and in length varies from four to twelve 
inches. 

Symptoms. — Colic pains are noted at times, or there may be 
switching of the tail, frequent manuring, slight straining, itching 
of the anus, and rubbing tail or rump against stall or fence; evi- 
dences of indigestion; is in poor condition; does not shed his 
coat; is hide-bound and pot-bellied; appetite is depraved and 
horse is licking walls, eating earth, and is particularly fond of 
salt. Bowels irregular; rubs nose against walls or stall as though 
it itched; a characteristic whitish mold-like substance below the 
anus. The best evidence is worms in the manure that is passed. 
Only part of these symptoms will be present, except in bad cases. 



Oxyuris curuulcu 



SdlerosbomcL armatwnyt 




uisoaris Tnegnlmxphalcu. 

INTBSTINAL WORMS. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 129 

Treatment. — 

Give the following: 

Turpentine I ounce. 

Raw Linseed Oil i pint. 

Shake together. 

Repeat Oil and Turpentine every second day for a week. 
Give, in addition, i teaspoonful of a mixture of equal parts of 
Sulphate of Iron and Sulphate of Copper in feed twice a day. 
After a week or two of above treatment withhold and give the 
digestive tonics recommended for "Chronic Indigestion," contin- 
uing them as case requires, or returning to above treatment after 
two weeks. 

PIN WORMS. — These are transparent, thread-like worms, 
measuring about one to two inches in length, found mostly in the 
large intestines. 

Symptoms. — Are about the same as with long round worms, 
except the size of worm passed. 
Treatment. — 

The same as in the previous disorder. Also inject into the 
rectum the following: 

Copperas i ounce. 

Water 3 quarts. 

Repeat every second or third day. 

TAPE WORMS.— These are white, tape-like worms, six 
inches to a foot in length, made up of a large number of segments. 
They rarely infest the horse, but are occasionally present. They 
take up their abode in the small intestines. 

Symptoms — Are the same as those produced by other worms, 
except the small, flat segments of the worm are found in the 
droppings. 
Treatment. — 

In addition to the treatment given for the other worms, give 

the following, after fasting the horse for from twelve to eighteen 

hours: 

Areca Nut (powdered) % ounce. 

Oil MaleFem 2 drachms. 

Raw Linseed Oil yi pint. 

Follow this in two or three hours with three-fourths of a 
pound of Epsom Salts, after which feed as usual. Repeat treat- 
ment in a week if necessary. 

9 



I30 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN 



CONGESTION AND INFLAMMATION OF THE 
LIVER. — These two diseases are so nearly alike, having same 
causes, symptoms and treatment, that they are included under 
one head. 

Causes. — Usually from the stimulating effects of overfeeding, 
particularly during hot weather, with too little exercise. May 
also be caused by injuries over the liver; from foreign substances, 
or from worms in the liver; or from extension of inflammation from 
neighboring parts. 

Symptoms. — Dullness; horse suffers from internal pain, but 
not of severe type; constipation and clay-colored dung-balls, 
scanty and high-colored urine, with general fever symptoms; 
when lying down is usually on left side; looks occasionally at the 
right side; there may be slight enlargement over the liver, and 
pain is evinced on pressure; horse may be lame in his off front 
leg; lining of eyes and mouth are yellow as in "Jaundice." 

Treatment. — 

If animal is in good condition give: 

Aloes 8 drachms. 

Sweet Spirits Niter i ounce. 

Laudanum i " 

Mix and give in i pint of water as a drench. 

Apply a Mustard plaster well rubbed in on the under part of 
the belly, and clothe body well according to the season of the 
year. Follow drench with the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Iodide of Potash i ounce. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces in ^ pint of water three or 
four times a day. After using for two davs 
withhold for two days and then give again if 
necessary. Give a teaspoonful of Saltpeter 
three times each day the prescription is with- 
held. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE , 131 

Feed very sparingly on light feed, and keep bowels active by 
use of oil. Exercise as soon as acute symptoms are over. 

YELLOWS— JAUNDICE— ICTERUS.— This is caused 
by the absorption of the bile into the blood. It is one of the most 
common diseases of the liver. 

Causes. — From inflammation of the liver; from gall stones 
stopping passage leading from liver to the bowels. 

Symptoms. — Eining membrane of mouth, nose and eyes are 
yellowish instead of pale pink; urine is saffron-colored; dung is a 
dirty gray color, and constipation generally present. In white 
or light-colored horses the yello\^ color shows in the skin; also 
symptoms of indigestion. 

Treatment. — 

In springtime turn out to grass, and that will usually effect 
a cure. If this is not feasible, or not in season, give Calomel 2 
drachms, and Aloes 7 drachms, as a drench, or in the form of a 
ball. Then follow this treatment with the mixture as recom- 
mended for "Inflammation of the Liver;" also give a teaspoon- 
ful of Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica three times a day. 
Glauber Salts, in handful doses, once or twice a day for a week is 
said to be an effective remedy for jaundice. Keep the bowels 
open with soft foods and pint doses of raw Linseed Oil. 

OTHER LIVER DISORDERS.— While there are other 
than these three disorders affecting the liver, the symptoms are so 
similar that diagnosis is more or less uncertain, and the treat- 
ment for all is practically the same as for the three alreadj^ given. 

All liver disorders need to be followed for some time with 
the digestive tonics. 

DISEASE OF THE SPLEEN. -While the spleen is 
sometimes diseased, the sj^mptoms are so obscure and so like those 
of other disorders that it is impossible to diagnose the troubles 
wath any degree of certainty. Occasionally, upon postmortem, we 
find the organ greatly enlarged and otherwise affected; but aside 
from this, scientific knowledge is too meager to attempt any 
popular discussion. 



132 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS 



The urinary organs of the horse are not nearly as often 
affected with disease as most people think. The remark, "The 
water- works are wrong," is nearly always wrong; and yet the 
organs are sometimes diseased, the following disorders being the 
most common: 

ACUTE INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS- 
NEPHRITIS.— 

Causes. — Exposure to cold, or cold rain storms; lying on the 
ground when cold and damp; giving large quantities of medicines 
that act on the kidneys; from carrying too great weight on the 
back; from violent efforts in racing; or very severe strains of 
the back. Not a common disorder. 

Symptoms. — More or less fever, pulse accelerated, temperature 
elevated; manifest stiffness of the back; straddling gait with the 
hind legs; difficulty in lying down and rising, or walking in a 
circle, the animal sometimes groans in the effort; arching of 
loins and tucking up of flanks; looking back at the abdomen, as in 
"Colic;" tenderness of loin when pinched, especially just beneath 
the bony processes six inches to one side the median line. Urin- 
ates frequently, but small quantity and of a high color, some- 
times mixed with blood or even pus. Legs tend to swell from 
feet up, also dependent parts beneath belly and chest, and effusion 
of liquid may occur in chest or abdomen. In the male the alter- 
nate drawing up and relaxing of the testicles in scrotum are sug- 
gestive, and in small horses the oiled hand may be introduced 
through the rectum, the kidneys reached and their sensitiveness 
ascertained. 

Treatment. — 

Give from i pint to a quart of raw Linseed Oil and 4 
drachms of Aloes, and keep the bowels active by giving a pint 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 133 

or more of oil, and 2 to 4 ounces Epsom Salts daily; also use the 
following to reduce the fever: 

Fluid Extract Aconite i draclim. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i ounce. 

Liquor Ammonia Acetatis 4 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces, three to five times a day. 

If the fever runs high, give i drachm of Acetanilid and an 
ounce of Alcohol in % pint of water, morning and evening. 
Apply to the loins a blanket wrung out of hot water; have the 
blanket as hot as the animal will stand; cover this first with a 
rubber blanket, and then with a dry, woolen blanket; this retains 
the heat; change every half hour; continue the applications 
throughout the entire day; at night apply a good stimulating 
liniment, or a Mustard plaster. Repeat the hot blankets each day 
until recovery is well advanced. Injections per rectum of about 4 
quarts of water, at a temperature of 115 degrees, repeated three 
or four times a day are of value. If the animal desires food, give 
a light, easily digested, laxative diet; grass, if in season, if not, 
bran mashes and a little clover hay. Keep the animal warmly 
blanketed and groom daily, rubbing the skin thoroughly with 
brushes or straw. Give thin linseed gruel in place of water for 
drink. 

CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.— 

Causes. — It may result from blows, injuries, or from ex- 
posure, but is more commonly associated with faulty condition of 
the system — as indigestion, heart disease, lung or liver disease, 
imperfect blood formation or assimilation. 

Symptoms. — There is stiffness, weakness, and increased ten- 
derness in the loins, and changed secretion of the urine (increase 
or suppression), or the flow may be natural. Dropsy, showing in 
swelled legs, is a significant symptom, and if the condition takes 
place along the lower line of the body or in chest or abdomen, 
the significance is increased. Scurfy skin, lusterless hair, loss of 
flesh, softness of muscles, and pallor of nose and eyes are all sug- 
gestive of the disease. The finding of albumen in the urine 
would determine the case. To detect this boil a little urine and if 



134 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

it becomes cloudy and filled with particles, when cool add a little 
Nitric Acid; if the cloudiness does not clear up it is albumen, if 
it does it is not. 

Treatment. — 

Give I pint of raw Linseed Oil as a drench, and keep bowels 
loose by repeated doses daily; give a teaspoonful of Fluid Extract 
of Belladonna three times a day. Give laxative food. Applica- 
tions to the loins, as in "Nephritis," are good. Give the Gentian 
and Nux Vomica mixture recommended for "Chronic Indiges- 
tion;" omit, however, the Saltpeter and Iron mixture until after 
the animal is much improved, and then use it carefully. 

Every attention must be given in the way of warm blanket- 
ing, a warm stall, and pure air, along with good feed. 

DIABETES INSIPIDUS— PROFUSE STALING.— 

This consists of an excessive passing of clear watery urine, with 
a corresponding ardent thirst. 

Causes. — Excessive and long continued use of medicines that 
stimulate the kidneys; acrid diuretic plants in grass or hay; an 
excess of roots and other watery food; feeding hay, grain or bran 
that has become musty. It is most common in wet season when 
it is diflBcult to properly harvest hay and grain. 

Syrnpto7ns. — There is excessive thirst, and horse drinks 
deeply on every occasion, and passes urine at every opportunity, 
the discharge being pale, watery, of low density and inodorous. 
Emaciation and hide-bound soon follow. The eyes become dull 
and sunken; low spirited; sweats on slightest exertion, and can 
endure but little work. Horse is inclined to lick the walls and 
mortar to get lime, and appetite is depraved. 

Treatment. — 

First remove cause if it can be discovered, whether drugs, 
poisons or food, and supply only sound, well-cured hay and grain. 
Put a liberal supply of boiled flaxseed in the drinking water to 
help carry out poisons and protect irritated kidneys. Dissolve i 
ounce of Iodide of Potash in a pint of water; give 2 ounces of 
this solution four times a day for two days; withhold for two or 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 135 

three days and give again if necessary. One-half ounce doses of 
the Fluid Extract of Ergot three times a day will be of value. 
Also give the Gentian and Nux Vomica mixture as recommended 
for * 'Chronic Indigestion." Omit the Iron and Saltpeter mixture. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER— CYSTI- 
TIS. — May be slight or severe, acute or chronic, partial or 
general. 

Causes. — May be caused by abuse of irritating medicines, as 
cantharides, turpentine, copaiba, rosin, and the like; by stoue 
or gravel in the bladder; the application of fly blisters or tur- 
pentine over too much surface; sudden exposure of a tired or 
perspiring horse to cold or wet; acrid plants in fodder; or exten- 
sion of inflammation from a diseased vagina, or urethra to the 
bladder. 

Symptoms. — Animal walks with a stiff, straddling gait, and 
makes water often, in small quantities, which is sometimes 
streaked with blood, and accompanied with pain, as is shown in 
continued straining, groaning, and perhaps in movements of the 
feet and tail. The penis hangs from sheath, or in mare the vulva 
is opened and closed as in urination. There is soreness when 
pressed in region of sheath or udder If due to stone in the blad- 
der, that will be found by examination (See Anatomy) through 
rectum or vagina; the bladder will also be found to be sensitive. 
The temperature will be elevated and the pulse accelerated. 

Treatment. — 

First, if possible, remove the cause, whether in food or medi- 
cine, the removal of Spanish Fly or other blistering agents from 
the skin. If the urine has been retained and decomposed, it must 
be completely evacuated through a clean catheter, and bladder 
washed out with a solution of 5^ ounce of Boracic Acid in a quart 
of water. This must be repeated daily until the urine no longer 
decomposes. Diet must be light— as bran mashes, roots, fresh 
cut grass — and the drink impregnated with Linseed tea. Inject 
into the bladder a warm Alum solution (Alum ^ ounce, water 
at 115 degrees, one quart); repeat three or four times a day. 
Make hot applications to the loins, as in "Nephritis," and apply 



136 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Mustard paste to the back part of the belly, just in front of 
the udder in the mare, in front and at the sides of the sheath in 
the horse. Internally, use same treatment as for "Nephritis." 
To inject into the bladder, pass the catheter, attach a piece of 
rubber tubing to the outer end, put a small funnel in the other 
end of the tube, elevate the funnel and pour the solution into it; 
it will flow and fill the bladder, and by lowering the tube it will 
run out. To pass the catheter, see Operations, page 347. If 
Calculi are present, remove them. See next disease. 

STONES IN THE BLADDER— CALCULI.— Stones 

are also found in the kidneys, or in the tubes leading down to 
the bladder from the kidneys, but they are generally found in the 
bladder. They are masses of lime of varying sizes. 

Causes. — From kinds of food eaten, and from the use of 
drinking water containing a great percentage of lime. 

Symptoms — Horse is uneasy and has colic pains; will be in 
more pain just after passing water; in some cases where there are 
a number of stones, the horse after making water, will pass blood, 
and for a few times after this he may pass water as usual, and 
then will pass blood again. In urinating, the flow will sometimes 
stop suddenly, and after a moment commence again. Examina- 
tion by hand in the rectum will determine the existence of the 
stones or stone. In the mare they can sometimes be reached by 
the finger through the urethra. (See Anatomy). 

Treatment. — 

Give the animal soft water instead of hard water. Give 
plenty of soft feed with boiled Linseed in it to keep the 
bowels free, and give diluted Hydrochloric Acid in i drachm 
doses, mixing it with i pint water and giving it as a drench three 
times daily. The action of this acid is to dissolve stones. Con- 
tinue the use until animal is better. In severe cases resort must 
be had to an operation, called lithotomy — removing the stones 
with forceps. The operation would require a veterinarian. 

EVERSION OF THE BLADDER.— This is met with 
only in mares, and is the result of long-continued labor, or from 
straining in inflammation of the bladder. Is a very rare accident. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 137 

Symptotns. — The bladder will be seen protruding from the 
lower part of the vulva, a round, red, fleshy-looking substance, 
and the entrance of the tubes from the kidneys will be plainly 
seen near the neck, with urine dripping from them. 

Treatment. — 

Put I ounce of Laudanum in i pint of water and gently bathe 
the bladder with it; then press gently and continuously until it is 
returned to its place. Great care must be taken not to push the 
fingers through the walls of the bladder, especially if it has been 
out sometime and is swollen. After it is returned, if animal is in 
pain, give i ounce doses of Laudanum or ^ ounce doses of 
Chloral Hydrate every two hours until animal stops straining and 
seems relieved. If inclined to come out again after being returned, 
put on a compress to hold it in. If possible a veterinarian should 
be secured to treat the case. 

The after-treatment would be as in "Inflammation of the 
Bladder." 

SPASM OF THE NECK OF THE BLADDER.— 

This affection consists in spasmodic closure of the outlet of the 
bladder by contraction of the muscular fibres. It is most fre- 
quent in the horse, but is not uncommon in the mare. 

Causes. — Hard and continuous driving without chance to 
make water; cold rain-storms; draughts of cold air when perspir- 
ing and fatigued; administrations of Spanish fly; application of 
fly blisters extensively; abuse of diuretics; acrid plants in fodder; 
and calculi in the bladder. Spasms of the bowels are sometimes 
attended with spasms of the bladder. 

Symptoms. — Frequent stretching and straining to urinate, 
with no result, or but a slight dribbling only, and this attended 
by pain and groaning. On resuming his normal position pains 
continue, and he paws, shakes his tail, kicks at the abdomen 
with hind feet, looks back to the flank, lies down and rises, 
arches back, and tries again to pass water. If oiled hand is intro- 
duced into rectum the greatly extended bladder may be felt 
beneath it, and horse will often flinch when it is handled. 



138 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Begin by taking horse out of the harness; if this fails, spread 
clean litter beneath the belly or turn patient out where there is 
straw. Apply hot blankets to loins, as in "Nephritis." Give 
from one to two teaspoonfuls of Fluid Extract of Belladonna by 
the mouth, or inject the same, in two ounces of water, into the 
urethra, using catheter, as in "Inflammation of the Bladder." 
In the mare, the neck of the bladder is easily dilated by inserting 
the oiled finger into the urethra (see Anatomy). In the 
horse, the oiled hand may be introduced into the rectum, and 
gentle pressure given from before backward on the anterior or 
blind end of the bladder. If above fails then pass the catheter 
(see Operations). If the instrument is at hand it is best to 
pass it the first thing and relieve the animal at once. 

PARALYSIS OF THE BLADDER.— 

Ca7(ses. — From weakened state of the system; from exposure 
to cold; or from long continued distension of the bladder from 
urine being held, as in rheumatism, lock-jaw, paralysis, or diseases 
that keep the animal in a lying position. 

Symptoms. — There is a constant dribbling when the neck is 
involved, the liquid running down the inside of the thighs and 
scalding the skin. When neck is not involved, the urine is 
retained until the bladder is greatly over-distended, when it may 
be expelled by the active contraction of the walls of the abdomen; 
but this never empties the bladder entirely, and the oiled hand 
through the rectum may feel the soft, flabby organ still half full of 
urine. This retained urine is liable to decompose and the disease 
result finally in the worst form of inflammation of the bladder. 

Treatment. — 

Lies in the successful treatment of the disease which it 
accompanies. The urine must be drawn off four or five times a 
day with a catheter to prevent over-distension of the bladder. If 
persistent after the recovery of disease it accompanies, apply a 
thin paste of Mustard and water over the back part of the belly in 
front of the udder, and cover with cloths until hair stands erect. 
In the male apply the remedy on each side of the sheath. Give 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 139 



three or four times a day a teaspoonful of Fluid Extract of Nux 
Vomica, or use the tonics as recommended under "Chronic Indi- 
gestion," omitting the Iron and Saltpeter mixture until after the 
other has been used for a week or two and the water has com- 
menced to pass normally. 

ISCHURIA. — This is where there is no passing of water on 
account of it not being excreted by the kidneys. 

Cause. — From kidneys not acting properly. 

Symptojns. — There is no passing of water. The non-passing 
of water may arise from diseases of bladder, obstructions, etc., 
but in such cases the bladder is found, upon examination per 
rectum, to be full; with this disorder it is found to be empty. 

Treatment. — 

If from kidneys not acting properly, give i to 2 ounces of 
Sweet Spirits of Niter and a teaspoonful Fluid Extract Nux 
Vomica three times daily, until horse makes water, then follow 
this with the digestive tonics as prescribed under "Chronic Indi- 
gestion." 

DRIBBLING OF THE URINE— ENURESIS.— In this 

case the urine dribbles away involuntarily. 

Causes. — May come from weakness of the neck of the blad- 
der; from injury to neck by the catheter; from paralysis of the 
bladder, or from stone or calculi. 

Treatment. — 

If from paralysis, or weakness of the neck of the bladder, 
apply the Mustard paste as recommended in ' ' Paralysis of the 
Bladder," and give a teaspoonful of Fluid Extract Nux Vomica, 
three times a day. If from injury from catheter, give the same 
and also injections as in "Inflammation of the Bladder." A tea- 
spoonful of Saltpeter, two or three times a day, may also be given. 
Cold water dashed onto the loins will sometimes help. 

BLOODY URINE— HAEMATURIA.— 

Causes. — Usually from injuries, as sprains and fractures of 
the loins; lacerations of the sub-lumbar muscles; irritations 



I40 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



caused by stone in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. 
May also occur in acute congestion or inflammation of the kid- 
neys, with tumors in their substance, or with diseased growth in 
the bladder. Acrid diuretic plants may also be a cause. 

Sy?nptoms. — The presence of blood in the urine, giving it a 
reddish tinge. If blood is from the kidneys, it is more likely to 
be uniformly diffused through the urine; if from the bladder, 
small clots are more likely to be present. 

Treatment. — 

If due to injury to the loins, treat as for strains, If 
Calculi cause, remove them. (See "Calculi.") Irritants in food 
must be avoided. Give mucilaginous drinks, as Linseed tea, freely. 
Internally, give the following. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i drachm 

Fluid Extract Ergot % ounce. 

Water to make I pint. 

Give as one dose, and repeat four times a 
day for two or three days, if conditions require; 
alternate with this %. ounce Tincture of Iron, 
in % pint of water. 

Hot blankets to the loins would be valuable in some cases. 

STRICTURE OF THE URETHRA.— This is a per- 
manent narrowing of the urethra at a given point. 

Causes. — Irritating ingredients in the urine; by strong injec- 
tions used in gleet; or by the healing of ulcers in neglected 
gleet. 

Symptoyns. — The urine is passed in a very fine stream with 
straining, pain and groaning, and by frequent painful erections. 

Treatment. — 

Consists of mechanical dilitation, with catheters just large 
enough to pass with gentle force. Insert once a day, increasing 
the size as passage will admit them. The catheter should be 
kept perfectly clean and washed in a solution of Borax and water 
and well oiled before it is introduced. A teaspoonful of Fluid 
Extract of Belladonna in an ounce or two of water injected 
through the catheter into the urethra may help in dilating. To 
inject, see "Inflammation of Bladder." 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 14^ 



OBSTRUCTION OF URETHRA WITH A CAL- 
CULUS. — Occasionally the urethra is obstructed by a limy 
deposit which forms either in the urethra or in the bladder 
and then ficws down into the urethra and obstructs it. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms will be the same as those for 
"Spasm of the Neck of the Bladder." The urine will be retained. 

Treatment. — 

Medicinal treatment will fail; the catheter must be passed 
and the deposit pushed back into the bladder and then treated as 
described under "Calculi." If the obstruction cannot be dis- 
lodged with the catheter, it must be cut down into and removed. 
This would require a veterinarian. 

AZOTURIA. — The exact nature of this disease is not well 
understood, and while it is not a disease of the urinary organs, it 
is described in this connection, as these organs are affected by the 
disease to a greater or less extent. It always occurs with over- 
fed and under-exercised horses. 

Causes. — From allowing the horse to stand in the stable and 
feeding too well. Horses that are being liberally fed upon grain 
should be out for exercise at least every other day. If for any 
reason the horse cannot get out for exercise, cut down on the 
grain ration. 

Symptoms. — The disease always develops during exercise. 
The horse is taken out for work after a period of rest, with high 
feeding. He starts out feeling extra active and playful, but after 
going from a few rods to three or four miles, the driver notices 
something wrong; the horse slacks up, commences to sweat pro- 
fusely, breathes heavily, shows lameness or irregularity in action 
of hind limbs, seems stiff, the ankles throw forward, and back is 
apt to be arched; if not stopped, the weakness gets worse, the 
horse reels and goes down, and is unable to get up with the hind 
limbs; may rise up with the front limbs. The hind limbs are 
paralyzed. The muscles of the loins are swollen and hard. If 
he goes down, he shows great nervousness; if stopped before he 
goes douTi, he braces himself, trembles, and continues to sweat 



142 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

for some time; the urine, when passed, or if drawn, is of a dark, 
coffee color, and apt to be thick. If down, he is unable to pass 
the urine. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as the first symptoms appear, stop the animal, 
unhitch and blanket warmly right where he is; do not try to get 
to a barn, tmless the weather makes it absolutely necessary, in 
which case get to the nearest. If stopped at once, the attack 
will probably be light, but a little extra exercise may turn the 
scales. Frequently the driver goes a little further, to see what 
develops, and this often changes a mild, into a fatal case. Get a 
veterinarian to treat the case, if possible. If not, give the follow- 
ing: A teaspoonful of the Fluid Extract of Belladonna and V2 
ounce of Bromide of Potash, in ^ pint of water, repeat in two 
or three hours, and afterwards repeat every four or five hours; 
also give i drachm doses of Iodide of Potash, in Y^ pint of water, 
repeat four times the first day, afterwards three times a day for 
two days; also give twice a day, i ounce of Sweet Spirits of 
Niter. Aside from these, the horse should have a purgative; 
give I ounce of Aloes in form of a pill, or in a pint of thin Lin- 
seed gruel; Yi, pound of Epsom Salts can be substituted for the 
Aloes; if the bowels do not move freely in twenty-four hours, 
give a pint of Oil, and repeat every six or eight hours until they 
do. Aside from this internal treatment, apply hot blankets to 
the loins as in "Nephritis." If the animal is down, he must be 
kept bolstered up on his chest, and rolled over five or six times a 
day; if down, the urine must be drawn with a catheter, four or 
five times a day. (See Operations.) If for any reason it is not 
best to use hot blankets, hot bags of salt may be substituted. If 
horse is treated where attacked, after six to ten hours he can 
probably be very slowly worked to the nearest barn, where he 
should be kept three or four days. If he goes down on the street, 
remove to a barn on a large stone- boat. 

The disease can always be prevented by exercising, at least 
every other day, horses which are being liberally fed. Allow the 
animal to become thoroughly convalescent before exercising 
again, and begin by exercising gradually. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 143 

DISEASES OP THE GENITAL ORGANS 
OF THE HORSE 



INFLAMMATION OF THE TESTICLES— ORCH- 
ITIS. — When in vigorous health and on stimulating food, 
stallions are subject to congestion of the testicles, which become 
swollen, hot and tender, but without any active inflammation. 
The reduction of the grain in the feed, and by giving j^ pound 
of Epsom Salts, repeating in two or three days, also a teaspoonful 
of Saltpeter three times a day and bathing affected parts with hot 
water, or Alum water — Alum i ounce, water i pint — will usually 
restore him. From frequent copulation, heavy grain feeding, hot 
weather and lack of exercise, if not relieved, congestion may run 
into inflammation. 

Causes. — Besides as noted, this may arise from blows and 
penetrating wounds, implicating testicles; abrasions of the scro- 
tum by a chain or rope passing inside of thigh; from abrasion by 
rubbing against the inside of thighs in trotting stallions; from 
sympathetic disturbance in diseases of the kidneys, bladder, or 
urethra. 

Symptoms. — Apart from wounds of the parts, there is a 
swelling, heat, and tenderness of the testicles, straddling of the 
hind legs, alike in standing or walking; stiffness and dragging of 
the hind limbs or limb on affected side, arching of loins, abdom- 
inal pain, as shown by looking back at flanks; more or less fever, 
rise of temperature, quicker pulse and breathing, lack of appetite 
and dullness. Generally symptoms abate about second or third 
day, and if it lasts longer abscesses are apt to form. Improve- 
ment may go on slowly or malady subside into a subacute or 
chronic form. 

Treatment. — 

Give perfect rest and quiet, and administer a purgative of }/i 
to I pound of Epsom Salts or, instead, an ounce of Aloes. Apply 
an astringent lotion of: 

Acetate of Lead I ounce, 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 1 " 

Water I quart, 



144 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

to the affected parts with soft rags or cotton wool, and keep in 

place with a bandage. Foment freely with hot water. When 

abscess threatens apply warm poultices of half Linseed meal and 

half bran to favor formation of pus, and when ready the knife 

must be employed to give free escape of pus. The resulting 

cavity may be injected with a weak Carbolic lotion: 

Carbolic Acid 2 drachms. 

Water i pint. 

This will keep wound clean and favor healing. 

Also give internally the following. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite i drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed >^ ounce. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: Two ounces four times a 
day. 

Feed very sparingly on laxative diet. 

DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM, OR BAG-HYDRO- 

CELE. — The scrotum is the bag or pouch that contains the 
testicles. 

Causes. — This may be an accompaniment to dropsy of the 
belly, the cavity of which is continuous with that of the scrotum 
in the horse. It may result from local disease of the testicles, 
the spermatic cord, or the walls of the pouch. 

Syjnpiojns. — There is enlargement of the scrotum, with a 
fluctuation under the fingers; the testicle will be recognized as 
floating in water. By pressure the liquid is forced in a slow 
stream, and with a perceptible thrill, into the abdomen. Some- 
times the cord or scrofum is thickened, and "pits" on pressure. 

Treatmknt. — 

Give a laxative in the form of one-half pound of Epsom 
Salts, or 6 drachms of Aloes. Also give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed 6 drachms. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

lodideof Potash i oimce. 

Water to make I pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces three times a day; give three 
days, withhold a day or two, and give again. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 145 

If there is any inflammation of testicles or cord, give local 
treatment, as in previous disorder. Painting the scrotum with 
Tincture of Iodine once a day is also good. One-half ounce 
doses of Tincture of Iron given three times a day in Y-z pint of 
water, alternating with the previous mixture, will be helpful. 
If this line of treatment fails it will be necessary to draw off the 
water with a small trocar and canula, repeating if the scrotum 
fills up again, Feed nourishing but laxative diet. 

GONORRHEA OR GLEET.— 

Causes. — This is an inflammation of the urethra from irritat- 
ing substances in the urine; excessive work in the stud; mastur- 
bation; connection with a newly delivered mare; or with one that 
has an irritating discharge from the womb; injury to penis; or 
from stone or gravel. Mostly confined to stallions. 

Sympto77is. — The urine will be passed in jets, with frequent 
interruptions and manifestations of pain; there is swelling and 
soreness of sheath; later, there will be more or less discharge of 
pus which will be seen around the head of the penis. There is 
tendency to erection of penis, and in cases contracted from the 
mare, the outer surface of organ will show more or less of sores 
and ulcers. Stallion, in such cases, will refuse to mount, or in 
case he does, will not complete act of coition. If entrance is 
effected, mares are liable to infection. 

Treatment. — 

Give in early stages 6 drachms of Aloes and apply cloths 
wrung out in hot water to sheath and penis. If infection is sus- 
pected, inject into the urethra, through the penis, twice daily, a 
solution made as follows: 

Boracic Acid I drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Water (tepid) i quart. 

Mix. 

Inject by passing catheter a little distance and injecting 
through it as in "Inflammation of the Bladder." Where a dis- 
charge shows later in the disease, inject: 

Nitrate of Silver 30 grains. 

Water i quart. 

10 



146 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

And the same may be applied to the surface of penis and inside 
of sheath. One drachm doses of Copaiba may be given once 
daily after the discharge has appeared. 

One ounce doses of Sweet Spirits of Niter morning and night 
may also be given. 

Stallions suffering from this disease should be vi^ithheld from 
service, as also should mares with leucorrhea. 

Feed a laxative diet and give regular exercise. 

PHIMOSIS, AND PARAPHIMOSIS.— These are swollen 
or otherwise diseased conditions of the penis. In the first, the 
penis is swollen and confined within the sheath, and in the sec- 
ond, the penis swollen or otherwise affected without the sheath, 
and cannot be drawn back. 

Causes. — From castration, or from injury by blows or kicks; 
from rough handling, or from too much service. 

Treatment. — 

When the penis is swollen and confined, bathe the sheath 
in cold water, enlarge, if necessary, the external portion of sheath 
so as to liberate the penis, and then bathe penis with cold water, 
and apply a lotion made of: 

Sugarof Lead j^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Mix, and apply to affected parts three times 
daily. 

When penis protrudes and is swollen outside of sheath, bathe 
with cold water and apply the Lead lotion as in "Phimosis," and 
support the penis by a bandage passed around the loins. This 
should not be omitted, as weight of swollen organ is sufficient 
alone to keep up irritation and inflammation. As a last resort, 
the rim of the sheath may be slit up a little and penis manipu- 
lated and pushed back, treating wound with lotion as before. 

Paralysis of the penis will also cause it to hang from the 
sheath; in this case it is not swollen, but hangs in a flabby con- 
dition, otherwise looking normal. Treatment in this case is to 
give, internally, a teaspoonful Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica 
three or four times a day; give exercise; bathe penis with hot 
water. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 147 

Growths upon the penis may also prevent its being with- 
drawn. These would need to be treated according to their 
nature. If conditions cannot be overcome, the penis can be 
amputated. The operation would require a veterinarian. 

FOUL SHEATH.— As a general thing the sheath of a 
horse needs no cleaning. The glands ordinarily secrete a fluid to 
lubricate the parts in the proper amount, but at times there is 
a larger secretion, or a diseased secretion, and it accumulates as a 
gummy, black substance in the sheath, and irritates the parts, 
causing "Foul Sheath." 

Treatment. — 

Wash out carefully with a little soap and warm, soft water, 
being careful not to use any violence in drawing down the yard, 
and particularly be careful not to scratch parts with the finger 
nails, using a soft sponge or cloth. After cleaning, dry by press- 
ing gently with a dry cloth and apply melted vaseline. 

SWELLING OF THE SHEATH.— 

Catises. — This may arise from a bad condition of the blood; 
from disordered kidneys; from a foul sheath, following castration, 
and in disease of the kidneys. If sheath is foul, treat as pre- 
viously described. Give the horse a physic of 6 to 8 drachms of 
Aloes to clear the bowels, and when this has operated, give the 
following powders: Equal parts, by weight, of Saltpeter and 
Sulphur; mix thoroughly and give a tablespoonful three times 
daily in the feed. Give a little exercise each day and the swell- 
ing will soon go down. If after castration, treat as described 
under that operation. 

GROWTHS ON END OF PENIS.— These are of various 
kinds and ofttimes prove very troublesome and painful when 
animal is urinating. 

Causes. — Are varied. Sometimes from neglect in treating a 
slight injury, the sore will throw out a growth. At other times 
the growths are of fungoid nature. 



148 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Treatment. — 

If not very large, wash off with warm water and soap, then 
touch the effected part with a stick of lunar caustic, which will 
burn it. When scab falls off, wash and burn again, repeating 
until growth is removed. Dress every day with a carbolic lotion » 
Bad cases require treatment by a veterinarian. 

WARTS AROUND THE SHEATH.— These are often 
seen on the sheath, and in some cases may be seized between the 
thumb and finger and twisted off. Or they may be removed by 
tying a cord around them tightly, which will stop circulation, 
and they will drop off. When it can be done this is probably the 
best manner of removal. Still another way of removing it is to 
cut them off with a knife or scissors, and touch the wound with 
a stick of lunar caustic. 

MASTURBATION.— This is a bad habit of abusing nature 
that some stallions get into. 

Causes. — From weakness in consequence of having too much 
work in the stud, or from superfluous passion attending want of 
work and being fed too highly. 

Treatment. 

If from the weakness from overwork, reduce work, and give 
the digestive tonics. Give walking exercise daily. If from lack 
of work, give a purgative of 6 to 8 drachms of Aloes, reduce the 
grain and increase exercise, and give a teaspoonful of Saltpeter 
two or three times a day. Sometimes the only remedy is a 
mechanical one — the fixing of a net under the penis in such a 
way as to prevent extension of the organ. It is well to use this 
in connection with the other treatment. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 149 



DISEASES OF THE GENITAL ORGANS 
OF THE MARE 



INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES.— This disease, 
though rare, is occasionally met with in the mare. 

Causes. — It usually occurs at the time of heat, and passes 
away when that is over; it aggravates the passions excited at 
that time. 

Symptoms. — There is a slight fever, and soreness on pressure 
in the region of the loins. The periods of heat are irregular; at 
times almost continuous. 

Treatment. — 

Give a teaspoonful of Saltpeter and a teaspoonful of Fluid 
Extract of Belladonna in a bran mash three times a day for a few 
days. Feed laxative food. 

ENLARGEMENT OF THE OVARIES.-^ This is 

another disease that is met with in connection with the ovaries. 

Causes. — Results from inflammation sometimes obscure. 

Symptoms. — Mare is more or less irritable; falls off in con- 
dition; if put to horse does not get with foal; is more or less con- 
tinuously in season. Symptoms not diagnostic. Examination 
per rectum might reveal condition in some cases. 

Treatment. — 

If in good condition give her a physic — Aloes 8 drachms, in 
form of a pill or in thin gruel. Give a teaspoonful of Saltpeter 
three times a day for a week; withhold a week and give again. 
Dissolve an ounce of Iodide of Potash in a pint of water; give i 
ounce of the solution three times a day; give for a week, with- 
hold a week and give again; alternate with the Saltpeter. Where 
possible, an examination by a veterinarian would be advisable. 



I50 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

WHITES— LEUCORRHEA.— This is a catarrh of the 
vagina, or the womb, or of both. 

Catises. — Originally, by a slight attack of inflammation, a dis- 
charge from the irritated surfaces is set up and soon becomes 
chronic. It often follows foaling, in which the parts have been 
torn or injured. It invariably follows retention of the afterbirth. 
Also found in old mares that are out of condition, and have ceased 
to breed. 

Sy7?iptoins. — There is a discharge of whitish, slimy substance 
from the vulva, of a disagreeable odor; in fact, when following 
retention of the afterbirth, it is purulent and very offensive. 
Animal loses flesh; the coat becomes rough, coarse and staring, 
and the milk dries up, or nearly so. Where the womb is involved, 
the discharge is thrown off after urination, or when pulling 
severely, oftentimes in large quantities. 

Treatment. — 

Wash out the womb and vagina, using a soft, rubber tube 
with a funnel attached, through which pass warm water at a 
temperature of 115 degrees, until it comes away clear. To make 
sure the treatment reaches the womb, oil the hand and tube, 
introduce them into the vagina, and insert the tube through the 
mouth of the womb. Elevate the funnel and pour the water into 
it. Close the lips of the vulva by clasping them, thus filling the 
organs full, then let it flush out. After flushing out thoroughly 
with the water, pour in the following lotion: 

Sugar of Lead 3 drachms 

Warm water i quart. 

Use enough to fill organs full, holding the vulva to retain it 
a few minutes. Carbolic Acid, 2 teaspoonfuls to a quart of water, 
can be used part of the time in place of the L,ead solution. Alum 
or Copperas is sometimes used in place of the Sugar of I^ead. 
Treat once a day at first, afterwards once in two or three days, 
as case requires. 

To tone up the animal, use tonics as for "Chronic Indiges- 
tion." 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 151 

BARRENNESS IN THE MARE.— In this case the 
mare does not breed. 

Caicses. — From enlarged or diseased ovaries; from contraction 
or closure of the mouth of the womb; from neck of the womb 
being turned to one side; diseased condition of the womb; old 
age. 
Treatment. — 

Examine the neck of the womb by passing the hand, oiled, 
into the vagina until the mouth of the womb is reached, and, if 
you find it contracted, or closed, open it by working your fingers 
gently around in it until it dilates or opens. If a little hard to 
dilate, saturate a small piece of soft sponge with Fluid Extract of 
Belladonna, tie a string to it and carry the sponge into the vagina 
and press into the mouth of the womb as far as possible. I^ave 
it there an hour and on removing it you will probably find the 
neck relaxed and easily opened. After the neck is opened, put 
the mare to the horse, and she will most likely get with foal. If 
the neck of the womb is twisted to one side, try and straighten it 
with j^our hand, and immediately have her put to the horse. If 
the ovaries are diseased, treat as previously described, or call a 
veterinarian. Sometimes after breeding to one horse a number 
of times, and she does not get with foal, a change of horse may 
bring success. If ordinary copulation fails, inject the semen 
directly into the womb with a syringe. 

A run at grass, along with tonic preparations, as those 
recommended for "Chronic Indigestion," may successfully over- 
come barrenness. 

If mare is fleshy, deplete her. If in poor condition, tone her up. 
If womb is diseased, treat accordingly. 

HYSTERIA. — This is a peculiar and rather rare nervous 
affection accompanying heat, and manifested principally by the 
voluntary muscles. 

Symptoms. — It occurs at the time of heat; the jaws champ; 
the teeth are ground; the muscles tremble; the legs and feet are 
liable to paw, strike or kick spasmodically; in short the mare acts 
in a generally delirious manner, at times becoming more or less 
vicious. 



152 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Give a quart of Linseed Oil to act as a purgative and follow 

with: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i teaspoonful. 

Or: 

Sulphate of Morphia 4 grains. 

Water .'. i ounce. 

Give as one dose; repeat every three to six 
hours until the unpleasant symptoms have 
disappeared. 

The disease is generally due to some disease or abnormal 
condition of the ovaries. It is often necessary to have these 
organs removed in order to overcome the disorder. 



FOALING (PARTURITION) AND ATTENDANT 

DISEASES 



Gestation, or the period of carrying the young, continues, 
on the average, eleven months or forty-four weeks, but may be 
extended or shortened in some instances a month either way. 
The covering around the foal, or foetus, is called the cleaning, 
placenta, fetal envelopes, or after-birth, and is attached to the 
inside of the womb, to the little processes called papillae; 
connecting the foal and the after-birth is the navel-string, or 
umbilical cord. This is made up of blood vessels, which con- 
vey the fetal blood down to the fetal envelopes, where the 
nourishment is received from the mother's blood, and the impuri- 
ties given up to her blood. The air element — oxygen — is also 
received here, so we might say that the foetus breathes through 
the cord, and for this reason if it is broken, the foetus soon dies. 
Between the foal and after-birth is a fluid, the use of which is to 
protect the foal from injury from the motion of the mare. 

HOW TO TELL WHEN A MARE IS WITH 
FOAL. — The mare becomes gentler in disposition, and there is an 
increase of fat; the belly gradually becomes distended, and at the 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 153 

end of the sixth or seventh month, after the mare has taken a 
drink of cold water, there is movement on the part of foal. The 
signs are more noticeable on the left than on the right side. 
Another way is to pass the oiled hand into the vagina and find if 
the neck of the womb is closed and sealed. This must be very 
carefully done, or abortion may be produced. The foal may be 
felt at the same time. By examination per rectum, it can also 
be told whether a foetus is present or not. During the time of 
gestation , it is not the rule for the mare to get in heat every three 
weeks, but this is not an infallible sign, as occasionally a mare 
will take the horse when with foal; but ordinarily, when a mare 
ceases to come in heat after being bred, it is a good indication 
that she has conceived. They will frequently pass the first period, 
but come in heat at the second, and so they should be closely 
watched for six or even nine weeks after being bred, for indica- 
tions of being in heat. 

HOW TO USE A MARE WITH FOAL.-The best 
treatment for a mare that is with foal is to give her regular farm 
work up to the very time of foaling. After the abdomen com- 
mences to noticably enlarge, do not give rapid road work. Never 
let her pull too heavy, especially toward the last, or slip or strain 
herself, or back up too suddenly, as these have been the causes of 
mares losing their foals. Slipping is especially dangerous. In 
the absence of moderate work the mare should be kept in a lot 
where she can exercise at will. During the winter she should be 
out a portion of each day for exercise. The food should be 
liberal but not too fattening, such as oats, bran, and good clover 
hay. In the spring, turn out to pasture at night. Water should 
not be too cold, and given rather often. Constipation should be 
corrected by bran mashes, carrots, etc., and if medicine is needed 
give a dose of oil. A few carrots or other roots fed during the 
winter are excellent. 

After the mare foals, turn her out with her colt for at least 
ten days before putting her into work again. 

SIGNS OF IMMEDIATE FOALING.— As the period 
of foaling approaches the swelling of the udder bespeaks the 



154 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

coming event. For a few days before, a liquid comes from the 
teats, and in about twenty-four hours forms as a white wax 
around the orifices. The mare should now be watched closely 
until after the act takes place. The vulva enlarges, and there is 
escape of glairy mucus. The belly droops, the flanks fall in, aud 
the loins are depressed. Finally mare becomes uneasy, stops 
feeding, looks anxious, whisks her tail, and may lie down and rise 
again. In many cases this is not repeated, mare remaining down. 
Violent contraction of the abdominal muscles ensue; after a few 
pains the water bag appears and bursts, followed by the fore feet 
of the foal, with the nose between the knees, and, by a few more 
efforts the foetus is expelled. This is sometimes accomplished 
standing. The whole act may not occupy more than ten to fifteen 
minutes, and should never be prolonged to any great length of 
time if everything is normal. 

When the act takes place the mare should be by herself in a 
large, roomy place. 

THE NAVEL-STRING— UMBILICAL CORD.-The 

navel-string which connects the foal to the membranes is rup- 
tured when the foal falls to the ground, or when the mare rises 
if she has been down, and the membranes are expelled a few 
minutes later. If the cord does not break immediately after 
foaling, take a piece of cord and tie it one inch from the belly, 
then cut off the navel-string an inch below where it is tied and 
leave the string on until it drops off; this will prevent bleeding. 
Use Carbolic Acid solution on string and also on the cord. 

NATURAL WAY FOR THE FOAL TO COME.— 

When there is a single foal, the usual position is with the fore 
feet first, the nose between the knees, and with the front of the 
hoofs and the knees and the forehead directed upward toward the 
anus, tail, and croup; or, in other words, the foal lies on its belly. 
When there is a twin birth, the second foal usually comes with 
its hind feet first, and the backs of the legs, the points of the 
hocks, and the tail and croup are turned upward toward the anus 
and tail of the mare. This position also occurs with a single 
foetus. In both these ways, the curvature of the body corresponds 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 155 

to that of the passages. Any presentation different from these 
may be said to be abnormal, and are treated under the next head- 
ing. The first is called a front, the second a rear presentation. 

CAUTIONS IN ASSISTING WITH PARTUR- 
ITION. — Certain precautions are very important in assisting at 
partiu-ition; first, be gentle; also have everything clean — hand, 
arm, ropes and instruments; first, wash in soap and water and 
then oil freely with carbo. "zed lard or oil (lard or oil yi pint, 
Carbolic Acid i teaspoonful; thoroughly mixed; introduce nothing 
into the womb until it has been thoroughly oiled. Cut finger 
nails short and have dirt cleaned from beneath them. In assist- 
ing, pull steadily and gently, only when the mother throes. In 
repelling, or pushing foetus back into the womb, repel only when 
throes are not on, holding what you gain when she again strains. 
In entering the hand for an examination, make it cone-shaped, by 
placing the thumb and two outer fingers toward the center. Do 
not be in too much of a hurrj^, gentleness is more important than 
speed. In making an examination, the water sack should be 
broken and the hand put inside, directly against the foetus. 
When an examination is made and the foetus is found to be in a 
wrong position, examine thoroughly and determine just how it 
lies, then outline a plan for putting it into either a front or a 
rear presentation, and proceed at once to carry out the plan. If 
the presentation is going to be quite diflScult to correct, and the 
mare is straining hard, something should be given to stop it to a 
great extent. The best drug for this is Chloral Hydrate, dose, 
from ^ to I ounce in }4 pint of water, or 2 ounces Laudanum 
may be used, or a teaspoonful of Fluid Extract of Belladonna. 
Any of them may be repeated in one-half hour if necessary, and 
again in an hour. Have the animal stand while the correction is 
being made. 

If after a mare has been laboring for one-half hour, there 
seems to be no progress, an examination should be made to 
determine the trouble. The examination can do no harm if the 
foregoing instructions are followed, and if anything is wrong the 
sooner it is determined the easier it is to correct it. Sometimes 
a very slight mal-presentation, which can be corrected in two or 



156 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

three minutes, will stop the passage of the foetus. Why allow 
the mother to suffer for an hour or two ? The examination causes 
no extra pain and may be the means of relieving so much. If a 
bad presentation is found and a veterinarian is to be called, which 
is always best, if one can be had, quiet the mare with the drugs, 
and if the labor becomes severe, place the hand in the womb and 
hold the foetus from coming back any farther. After the womb 
has contracted so as to crowd the foetus well back into the arch, 
it is very hard to make a correction, and by preventing this, the 
veterinarian has a much better chance when he arrives. 

The symptoms of mal-presentations and other diflSculties to 
parturition is simply the straining without progress, and an 
examination determines the exact trouble. 

DIFFICULTIES MET WITH IN FOALING— 
MALPRESENTATION.— With natural presentation, diffi- 
cult parturition is a rare occurrence. Sometimes, however, labor 
pains come on and the mare wants to foal, but the mouth of the 
womb remains closed. In such a case, smear hand and arm with 
Carbolized Lard, enter hand with thumb and fingers together, cone- 
shaped, into the passage, and in some cases you can open the 
mouth of the womb very easily with your fingers. If it will not 
open easily, smear the neck with Fluid Extract Belladonna and 
lard, equal parts, and after a little while it will probably easily 
open. 

If the front legs and head appear, and the labor does not 
bring the foal any farther, use gentle force, pulling on legs and 
head, when the mother strains, holding what you get between 
throes. Never pull upon any presented part until you are sure 
the presentation is correct. Sometimes when presentation is cor- 
rect, a case of dropsy of the belly — where the foal's belly is 
swollen with water— will prevent the foetus passing; in such a 
case push foetus back, pass in a knife, guarded by the hand to 
not injure the mare, and make a small incision in the foal's belly 
to let out the water, and then start head and legs again, and she 
will probably soon foal, if gently assisted. 

In case of "water in the head" (Hydrocephalus), the feet 
and point of nose will start, but advancement ceases, and an 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 157 

examination reveals the diflSculty; the top of the head is much 
enlarged and soft; puncture the head with a trocar or knife, let 
out the water and press in the thin, bony walls. Now give the 
mare a little help when she labors, and the foal will come. 

A foal may come with head and only one front leg extended, 
and the mare cannot deliver. In such a case, push foal gently 
back and bring the other leg forward, and mare will foal probably 
without more trouble. Sometimes the front legs come with the 
head, which is turned back, either to one side, upon the back, or 
down between the front legs. Push the foal back; take a piece 
of rope four or five feet long, make a noose and slip it over foal's 
nose. Have assistant pull on the rope gently, while you help to 
straighten the neck and head, placing them between the legs; 
follow with a little gentle pulling, if necessary, and the foal will 
come. Sometimes head will appear, but both front legs are 
turned back. Push foal well back, catch front legs and bring 
them forward, one at a time, then pull gently on the legs to com- 
plete delivery. All four legs sometimes come together and head 
is turned back. In such a case it is best to push the front legs 
back into the womb as far as j^ou can with hand and arm, and 
bring foal out backward, pulling gently on hind legs. 

If the presentation is backward, and the hind legs come first, 
the delivery will generally be normal, although not as easy as 
front presentation. If, however, the foal is coming backward, 
and the legs do not appear, and nothing but rump, tail, and hips, 
are felt, the hind legs being turned in under; shove the hind end 
of the foal upwards and towards the front of the womb, then 
slip the hand down and get hold of the foot of a hind leg and lift 
upward and backward until you can bring the leg out into the 
passage; repeat the operation with the other leg, and the foal 
will come away backward. It is more difficult to correct rear, 
than front presentations. 

In the case of twin foals, if there is difficulty, examine the 
<j^se thoroughly, and whichever foal is nearest the outlet, deliver 
first, first making sure that the legs which are presented, and 
that you are pulling on, are the legs of the same foal. The 
second foal comes very easily. 



158 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Sometimes the foal will be lying partially upon its side and 
the feet will not come out straight, but strike the side of the 
passage and prevent delivery. In such a case straighten by 
rolling the fcEtus down onto its belly. 

Each mal-presentation must be carefully studied and good 
judgment used as to the best way to correct, remembering that 
gentleness and cleanliness are very important. 

Deformities or freaks of nature hardly ever occur twice alike, 
so no specific instructions as to assisting delivery can be given. 
A thorough examination must be made, and good judgment used 
as to the best way of proceeding, acting on plans given in the 
different positions. 

In all cases where it is necessary to push the foal back into 
the womb, the hind parts should be raised, by boards, by bed- 
ding, or by head of mare being turned down hill, as this will tend 
to make the foal go forwards. It is always best to use the hands, 
and pieces of fine rope, avoiding as far as possible all knives, 
hooks and harsh methods. Sometimes, when it is impossible to 
correct a presentation, it is necessary to cut up the foetus within 
the womb. A veterinarian should always be secured for the oper- 
ation. 

Blunt or even sharp hooks can sometimes be used to advan- 
tage in correcting a presentation, but due caution must be used 
not to injure the mother, and they should always be attached to 
a rope to avoid dropping them. 

If a mare is not delivered of her foal in a half hour, or such 
a matter, after the labor commences, there is something wrong, 
for when everything is normal the contractions of the womb and 
abdominal walls are so powerful that she foals in a few minutes. 
It is best, after waiting as above, to make an examination, and if 
anything is wrong to right it at once, for it is easier to do it 
immediately than after the mare has been sick for a couple hours. 
By so doing the mare's life is often saved as well as that of the 
foal. 

CLEANING— PLACENTA, OR AFTER-BIRTH.— 

Sometimes the mare will not clean properly, and part of the 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 159 



membranes remain attached to inside of the womb, and it will be 
left hanging out behind. In such a case try the following; 

Raw Linseed Oil % pint. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i teaspoonful. 

Mix and give as a drench. 

Put cloths, wrung out in hot water, or a peck of hot salt in a 
bag on the loins and cover to keep in heat. If this does not 
cause it to come away in the course of twenty-four hours it will 
have to be removed. Have mare held by the head, with one 
front leg held up so she cannot kick, and the tail held to one side. 
Oil the hand and arm with the Carbolized Oil, take hold of mem- 
brane with left hand and twist it, while the right is passed in to 
where the membrane is attached to the womb; commence at top, 
gradually detaching it, working the fingers gently in between it 
and the womb; do not be harsh. Give the mare a teaspoonful 
of Saltpeter two or three times a day for a few days. 

FLOODING- PROFUSE BLEEDING AFTER 
FOALING.— 

Causes. — From failure of the womb to contract after foaling; 
from congestion or laceration; or with eversion of the womb. 

Symptoms. — If blood accumulates in the womb from not con- 
tracting, it may be only suspected by reason of advancing weak- 
ness; swaying, unsteady gait; hanging head, paleness of the eyes 
and other mucous membranes, and weak, failing pulse. A hand 
examination in the womb detects blood clots. If it escapes from 
the vulva, the condition is evident. 

Treatment. — 

Give a large dose of Fluid Extract of Ergot — i ounce — repeat- 
ing in half an hour, and apply cold water or ice to the loins and 
external generative organs. Besides this, remove clot, if present, 
and flush out the womb with an Alum or Iron solution — from i to 
2 ounces of Alum or Sulphate of Iron (Copperas) to each quart 
of water used. Flush as in "Leucorrhea," filling the womb full. 

AFTER-PAINS. — These are the labor pains continued 
after the foal is out of the womb. 



i6o THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — Animal will continue to strain the same as 
though the foal had not been bom. 

Treatment. — 

First examine to find cause; if another foal and correctly 
presented, allow her to expel it; if from bleeding, treat as under 
that head; if everything is normal, and the straining is due to 
nervous irritation, keep mare quiet, and watch her that she does 
not force the womb out, and give the following to relieve the 

pains: 

Chloral Hydrate...... i ounce. 

Water Yz pint. 

Or: 

Laudanum i ounce. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i teaspoonful. 

Sweet Spirits Niter ; i ounce. 

Ginger i tablespoonful. 

Mix in lukewarm water and give as a drench; 
repeat every hour and a half or two hours, until 
relieved. 

Put a peck of hot salt in a bag and apply that to the loins, 
or apply hot blankets as in "Inflammation of the Kidneys," and 
give her a hot bran mash. Stay with her until all straining 
ceases, and if womb should start to evert, prevent it by clasping 
lips of vulva and holding them together. 

EVERSION OF THE VAGINA.— This is the turning 
out of the vagina, or passage leading from the womb. 

Causes. — From standing in the stall with hind feet too low 
before foaling; from lying down, when on account of being so 
full, the womb presses back and forces the vagina out; from 
straining to pass manure. 

Symptoms. — There is a bulging out of the passage through 
the vulva, forming a large red tumor; it may show only when 
lying down, going back when the mare gets up, or it may become 
swollen and remain out. 

Treatment. — 

Bathe the part well by pouring over it cold water, which 
removes the dirt and reduces the size; do not rub the part; if the 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE i6i 

dirt does not all flush off, pick it off gently; follow by pouring 
over it slowly a quart of Alum water: 

Alum I to 2 ounces. 

Water i quart. 

Also pour over it a weak Carbolic Acid solution: 

Carbolic Acid i^ teaspoonfuls. 

Water i quart. 

Now return it by placing the palm of the left hand against 
the back of tumor and gently pushing, and with the right hand 
near the vulva, gently work it back to place; see that the finger- 
nails of the right hand are short, so as not to irritate the part. 
After returning it, it must be retained; some do this by appljdng 
a truss, which allows the animal to make water, but prevents the 
return of the accident. Trusses are hard to keep in place, fre- 
quently get off, allowing the accident to re-occur; the best way 
to retain, is to put in sutures, or stitches, across the vulva. Use 
strips of good factory, an inch wide, for the stitches. To put 
them in, pick up a fold of the skin back from the vulva, four or 
five inches, where the hair commences, take a sharp knife and 
thrust the blade through this fold, between the fingers and the 
body, remove the blade, and before letting go of the fold, push 
one end of the stitch through the cut with a blunt nail, let go the 
fold and you have the stitch underneath an inch or more of skin, 
which will not tear out. Put the other end of the stitch through 
a fold on the other side of the vulva in the same manner, and 
then tie the two ends together across the vulva. Put in about 
three stitches, and there will be no chance for the accident to 
re-occur. The stitches will not interfere with urinating. If she 
does not strain, the stitches need not be tied tight. If she strains, 
give drugs as for "After- Pains." As the time for delivery 
approaches, she must be watched closely, and stitches removed as 
pains come on; after delivery and when the after-birth has been 
removed, put the stitches in again for a few days. After this 
accident, keep the animal where the hips will be the higher. 
Control the mare during the operation with a twist and side line, 

or hobbles, if necessary. 
1 1 



1 62 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

EVERSIONOF THE WOMB— FOAL BED 
TURNED OUT.— If the womb fails to contract after difficult 
foaling, the after-pains will sometimes lead to the organ turning 
inside out and passing out through the vagina, hanging as a large 
red mass from the vulva, sometimes extending down to the 
hocks. 

Treatment. — 

Put hobbles on the mare if necessary to prevent kicking. 
Have two assistants hold a clean sheet under the womb to sup- 
port it, and gently clean it as in the preceding disorder, using the 
cold water, Alum, and Carbolic lotions. Support the womb with 
the hands and flush . off any dirt that may collect in the sheet; 
great care is necessary in cleaning the part. After this is done, 
return it by commencing around the vulva and putting it back. 
Have the assistants hold the womb as high as the vulva, so its 
weight will not pull it out. Sometimes by taking a long strip of 
'Cloth, commencing at the lower end and winding it round and 
around the womb as tightly as possible, it forces the blood out 
and reduces the size and helps in making it return more easily; 
then as the womb is returned, gradually unwind the cloth. Re- 
turning the womb is a long, hard job; don't get in a hurry, but 
be gentle. Ait&i: half or more has been returned, it will go in 
much faster. After it has been returned, pass the oiled hand in 
and smooth the womb out as nearly natural as possible. Put in 
the sutures to retain it as in the preceding disorder. While it is 
being returned, and for some days afterward, keep the hind parts 
the higher. Give the mare at the beginning of the operation, to 
stop her straining, the drugs as recommended for "After- Pains," 
continuing their use for two or three days if there is any strain- 
ing, giving every three or four hours. If the after-birth is still 
attached to the womb, remove it before returning. This is a 
serious accident with the mare, and if the womb gets injured 
while out, chances for recovery are very slight. As there is a 
tendency for inflammation to set in, the following treatment should 
be given after the womb is returned. Feed very light, on 
easily digested, laxative food, and give from a pint to a quart of 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 163 

raw lyinseed Oil and from 2 to 4 ounces of Epsom Salts daily to 
keep the bowels loose; also use the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite 2 drachms. 

Alcohol 6 ounces. 

Saltpeter 4 " 

Water to make i quart. 

Dose: 2 ounces three or four times a day, 
continuing five or six days. 

If after a time, the animal becomes dull, pulse becomes more 
rapid, temperature rises, inflammation is developing; then treat as 
for "Inflammation of the Womb." Remove the sutures after 
conditions appear to be normal. 

RUPTURE OF THE WOMB.— This may occur from 
the feet of the foal during delivery, or from ill-directed efforts to 
assist, but it is especially liable to occur when there is an eversion 
of the womb. The resultant dangers are bleeding from the 
wound, escape of bowels through the opening, and their fatal 
injury by the mare's feet or otherwise; from peritonitis, and from 
the escape of poisonous liquids of the womb into the abdominal 
cavity. 

Treatment. — 

If in an eversion of the womb, the first thing to do is to 
close the wound, which must be carefully sewed up before the 
womb is returned, with catgut sutures. After its return, inject 
daily of the following: Boracic Acid ^ ounce, or Carbolic Acid 
3 drachms, to i quart of water. If inflammation threatens give 
treatment as for "Inflammation of the Womb." When from feet 
of foal, or from ill-directed effort to assist, little can be done, 
other than the medicinal treatment; it will probably prove fatal. 

RUPTURE OF THE VAGINA, OR PASSAGE.— 

When this happens it occurs during the act of foaling, and is 
done by the legs of the foal in coming through the passage not 
coming straight, or from the foal being too large for the passage. 
In some cases where the mare is not attended at the outset, the 
legs are found, one out through the natural passage, and the 



i64 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

other by a rupture, through the anus. Again, the mare may- 
have seemingly foaled all right, but later manure is seen coming 
through the vulva. An examination with oiled hand and arm will 
locate the rupture. 

Treatment. — 

If in a case where foal is coming out, and is caught with a 
leg in each passage, oil the hand and push back into womb, and 
bring both legs out the right way. Keep mare very quiet and 
give soft feed, with plenty of Flaxseed in it to keep the bowels 
free, and if in season let her have fresh cut grass. If bowels are 
costive, give i pint doses of Linseed Oil to keep them open, but 
not too loose. If feverish, use the prescription as in "Eversion 
of the Womb." Flush out the vagina twice a day with the 
following: Boracic Acid i ounce, water i quart; close lips of 
vulva around the tube and fill vagina full; once a day flush with 
Carbolic Acid 2 teaspoonfuls, water i quart. Use tube and 
funnel, as for "Leucorrhea." 

INFLAMMATION OFTHE VAGINA AND 
VULVA.— 

Cause. — Often follows a difficult case of foaling. 

Symt>to77is . — The vulva is inflamed and swollen and the 
membrane of the passage a bright red, with more or less discharge. 

Treatment. — 

Give the animal i pint of Linseed Oil to move the bowels, 
and then keep them free, feeding soft food with boiled Flaxseed 
in it. If in season, feed freely with fresh cut grass; if not, bran 
mashes with 3 to 4 ounces Epsom Salts daily. Bathe outside of 
vulva with warm water, and flush out vagina as in preceding dis- 
order, and give internally the prescription as recommended for 
"Inflammation of the Womb." Use injections and bathing 
freely. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB-METRITIS.— 

This is an inflammation of the substance of the womb. 

Causes. — From injuries to the womb during or after a diffi- 
cult case of foaling; from exposure to cold or wet; from the 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 165 

action of putrid products in the womb, and from using dirty- 
instruments, ropes and hands when assisting in dehvery; also 
follows eversion of the womb. 

Symptoms. — Usually comes on two or three days after foaling. 
There is first shivering, staring coat, small, rapid pulse, elevated 
temperature, quickened breathing, loss of appetite, arched back, 
stiff movement of body, looking back at flanks, uneasy motion of 
hind legs, discharge from vulva of a reddish or yellowish fluid, 
which later may be whitish or glairy, and fetid or not. By pass- 
ing oiled hand in through the vagina, the womb will be found to 
be hot, swollen and sensitive. 

Treatment. — 

Give a laxative in the form of a pint to a quart of raw Lin- 
seed Oil and 3 or 4 ounces of Epsom Salts, and repeat Oil daily to 
keep bowels active; also give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite i drachm. 

Alcohol 4 ounces. 

Saltpeter.., 2 " 

Water to make i pint 

Dose: 2 ounces four or five times a day. 

If temperature runs high, give i drachm of Acetanilid and 
an ounce of Alcohol in ^ pint of water morning and night. Half- 
drachm doses of Quinine two or three times a day are also good. 
Flush out the womb very freely with warm water until water 
flows away clear, then inject twice a day: 

Boracic Acid I ounce. 

Warm water i quart, 

And also twice a day: 

Carbolic Acid..... 2 teaspoon fuls. 

Warm water i quart. 

In flushing, use tube and funnel as in "Eeucorrhea," filling 
womb full by closing lips of vulva with the hand. Apply, almost 
continuously, hot blankets to the loins, as in "Inflammation of 
the Kidneys." Mustard paste applied to the loins is also good. 
If much pain is manifest, give 3 grain doses of Morphine every 
three hours. 

Following the flushing out of the womb, watch her to see 
that the straining does not evert the organ. 



1 66 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

INJURIES TO HIPS DURING FOALING.— 

Symptoms. — There will be a falling away of the muscles on 
the affected side, and the animal will be stiff and lame. 

Treatment — 

Apply to the muscles of the hip on the affected side some 
good, stimulating liniment, and if this fails, blister as described 
under "Ring Bone." During treatment let animal run to grass, 
which will also give needed exercise. Some time is required in 
such cases for complete recovery. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE UDDER— MAMMITIS 
— GARGET. — This is an inflammation of the glands that 
secrete the milk. 

Caiises. — From exposure by lying on the cold, damp ground, 
in fall or spring; from foal not sucking properly; or from injury. 
Not very common with the mare. 

Symptoms. — One or both the milk glands become enlarged, 
hot, and tender; the milk dries up, or is replaced by a watery, 
or reddish serous fluid, which at times becomes fetid; animal may 
walk lame, lose appetite, and show general disorder and fever. 

Treatment. — 

Give % pound of Epsom Salts and repeat in two days if 
bowels do not move quite freely; also give internally the follow- 
ing: 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract A conite i drachm. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces three or four times a day. 

Bathe the udder with hot water for two or three hours at a 
time, and then apply one of the following: Camphorated oil, or: 

Turpentine i part. 

Spirits of Camphor, or Lard 4 parts. 



Or: 



Turpentine 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 " 

Soap Liniment 4 " 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 167 

If milk should become thick, inject into the udder, through 
a milking tube, warm water i pint, Carbolic Acid i teaspoonful; 
then knead the udder thoroughly and milk out. If an abscess 
should form, open it and wash out with a Carbolic Acid solution, 

SORE TEATS, CRACKS, WARTS.— From sucking, 
especially in cold weather, the teats are subject to abrasions, 
cracks and scabs, and as the result of such irritation, or inde- 
pendently, warts sometimes will grow and become troublesome. 
These should be clipped off with sharp scissors and their roots 
burned with a stick of Lunar Caustic. For sore teats use an 
ointment made of: 

Vaseline I ounce. 

Balsam Tolu 5 grains. 

Sulphate of Zinc... 5 grains. 

Mix and apply. 
Or: 

Vaseline i ounce. 

Subnitrate of Bismuth.... ^ " 

Carbolic Acid 15 drops. 

PUERPERAL FEVER.— This is a benign fever, usually 
occurring on the second or third day after foaling. It is aggra- 
vated by colds, exposure, or neglect. 

Symptoms. — Are those of a general fever, accelerated pulse 
and respiration, higher temperature ; ears and extremities are 
cold ; bowels constipated ; urine scanty and high-colored; milk 
secretion suspended; udder inclined to inflammation and hard- 
ness; appetite more or less affected. May occur in mares of all 
ages, but is most often met with after the first pregnancy, and it 
seems to accompany the effort of nature to secrete the milk. The 
symptoms of the more severe disorders are absent. 

Treatment. — 

Keep the animal warm, but in a place where there is plenty 
of fresh air. Give soft food, grass if in season, and plenty of pure 
water to drink; give internally the treatment as recommended to 
be given internally for "Inflammation of the Udder." One-half 
drachm doses of Quinine twice a day are also good. Recovery 
generally takes place in two or three days unless complications 
arise. 



1 68 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

SWELLING ALONG THE BELLY BEFORE FOAL- 
ING — DROPSY. — This begins at the udder three or four weeks 
before foaling, and extends gradually forward until the swelling 
reaches between the fore legs. The animal shows no signs of 
being sick, and eats as well as usual. 

Treatment. — 

If mare is accustomed to being shut up in the stable, let her 
out where she can have exercise everj^ day, and give the mix- 
tures as recommended for "Chronic Indigestion," giving about 
one-half the dose. Keep the bowels moderately loose by repeat- 
ing V2 pint doses of raw Linseed Oil and laxative foods. Not 
serious usually, but best to be looked after. Mare is usually all 
right after foaling. 

ABORTION, OR SLINKING THE FOAL.— This is a 
term used in case the foetus is expelled from the womb before it 
is capable of surviving outside that organ. If advanced enough 
to live, but before the regular period, it is called premature birth. 

Causes. — From over work; from injury in any way; from 
sight or smell of blood, if it frightens; from slipping; from acute 
disease; from poor feeding and over-feeding. 

Symptoms. — Vary according as early or late in pregnancy. 
In j5rst or second month, mare may miscarry without observable 
symptoms, and fact only appears by her coming in heat. If 
somewhat later, there will be loss of appetite, neighing and 
straining, and the small foetus is expelled wdth its coverings. At 
a still later stage the symptoms will be still more marked, and 
mare will be very restless, get up and down, walk around until 
the labor pains come on, which soon cause the water bag to 
appear and break, and delivery wdll soon be completed if presen- 
tation is correct. This may occupy in all an hour or two, or 
may continue a day or two, the symptoms subsiding for a time, 
only to reappear with renewed energy. 

Treatment. — 

Should be preventive, if possible — avoiding all conditions 
which might cause the accident. After the pains come on, it is 
doubtful if the accident can be prevented. Fluid Extract of 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 169 

Black Haw, in from ^ to i ounce doses, is sometimes used, 
repeating every three or four hours, until quiet; ^ ounce doses 
of Chloral Hydrate, in )^ pint of water, may also be given. If 
pains continue, however, but act does not progress, assist, as 
with diflBcult parturition. Give the animal rest for a few days, 
feed lightly, giving bran mashes, small doses of oil and a tea- 
spoonful Saltpeter three times a day. (See Contagious Abor- 
tion in Cattle DeparTxMent). 



DISEASES AND CARE OF YOUNG FOALS. 



BLEEDING FROM THE NAVEL.— This is caused by 
the blood vessels not closing when the cord is broken. 

Symptoms. — Blood dropping from the end of the cord; may 
be slight or rapid. 

Treatment. — 

Tie a string around the cord about an inch from the body. 
If the cord is broken off so short that it cannot be ligated, fold a 
piece of cloth, saturate it with Alum, or Copperas water (an ounce 
of either to ^ pint of water), place the cloth against the navel, 
and hold it in place by a bandage about the body; have the 
bandage tight. Use Carbolic Acid lotion. 

Sometimes the urine will flow from the cord. There is a 
tube leading from the bladder down through the cord in the 
foetus, and when this does not close, as it should when the cord 
breaks, the urine flows from it. The treatment is to ligate, the 
same as for bleeding. Sometimes the other natural opening is 
not formed and then ligating will cause death, but if the natural 
duct cannot be opened, the foal may as well be destroyed. 

CONSTIPATION IN YOUNG FOALS.— There is diffi- 
culty sometimes in getting the bowels of a young foal to move. 



I70 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Causes. — From the mare being fed on very dry food, and 
from foals not getting the mother's first milk, which is a laxative. 

Symptoms. — Foal will be noticed to be fuller than usual; 
does not want to suck; strains as if wanting to pass something, 
but without results; and sometimes will lie down and look around 
at his sides as though in pain. If not relieved in a little while, 
refuses to get up. 

Treatment. — 

Give small injections of lukewarm water, with a little raw 
Linseed Oil in it, three or four times a day. In some cases it is 
necessary to oil the finger and insert it in the rectum to clear out 
the hardened feces, but in so doing be careful about irritating 
the bowels. Give 2 or 3 ounces of raw Linseed Oil and i 
teaspoonful of whiskey, mixed well together, repeating this three 
times a day, until the bowels move and the foal seems better. 
In very obstinate cases from '^A to i ounce of Epsom Salts can 
be given. This is for a day-old colt, and the amount can be 
increased in proportion to size. Keep colt warm and comfortable. 

DIARRHEA IN YOUNG FOALS.— This is the reverse 
of above. 

Causes. — From exposure and lying on damp ground too soon 
after foaling; from excitement by the mare being turned in with 
other horses; from the mare's milk being too rich, or too poor; 
or from sucking while the mother is too heated up from work. 

Symptotns. — Are obvious in the watery discharges. 

Treatment. — 

If the cause can be discovered remove it, whether in sur- 
roundings, milk, or conditions of feeding. Give the colt: 

Whiskey i teaspoonful. 

Laudanum i " 

Flour I tablespoon ful. 

3Iix all with a little of the mare's milk and 
repeat every four or five hours until foal is re- 
lieved. 

Keep the body of the colt warm. A little Linseed or Starch 
gruel is also good. If these fail. Copperas is good — dissolve a 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 171 

teaspoonful of Copperas in 2 ounces of water and give a teaspoon- 
ful of the solution in a little milk, alternated with the Ivaudanum 
mixture. From i to 3 teaspoonfuls of the following is good: 

Corrosive Sublimate 4 grains. 

Water ]/i pint. 

Dissolve Corrosive Sublimate in the water 
and give as directed. 

LEAKING OF THE NAVEL, AND RHEUMATISM 
IN YOUNG FOALS.— 

Causes. — By some it is said to be due to a germ getting into 
navel, while others say the cause is a cold, a chill, or an injury. 

Symptoms. — At first one hind leg will be noticed as being 
lame, and some joint swollen and tender; and there will be more 
or less discharge at the cord. Navel may also be swollen and 
inflamed. Swelling in leg may move from leg to leg for a few 
days, when it will settle in one of the joints, which is apt to 
fester and break, the discharge being offensive. When this ceases 
to run and begins healing, another joint will swell and fester; this 
condition keeping up until colt weakens and dies. Sometimes 
the joints do not break, but the navel discharge is continuous, 
resulting finally in death from exhaustion. 

Treatment. — 

If attended to at the outset, it is curable. Apply Monsell's 
Solution of Iron to the navel with a feather two or three times 
daily, and if inflamed, foment with hot water. Give the foal }{ 
teaspoonful of Salol in a tablespoonful of oil and a little milk 
three times daily. Foment the swollen joints with hot water and 
apply a good stimulating liniment; if they break, continue the 
bathing and use Carbolic Acid solution. The following will also 
be good to give: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite 12 drops. 

Sweet vSpirits of Niter i ounce. 

Water to make I pint. 

Dose: i to 2 ounces three to five times a day. 

Keep the colt quiet and warm, and help it up to nurse. 



172 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

WEAKNESS IN THE LEGS AND JOINTS OF 
YOUNG FOALS. — Bandage legs to support and strengthen 
them, giving first a good hand rubbing. If down and cannot get 
up, raise him up several times daily to suck, and give him a 
chance to put strength in his legs. 

CROOKEDNESS OF THE LEGS IN YOUNG 
FOALS. — Sometimes they will be over on the knees, while in 
other cases the crookedness will be in hind legs. 

Treatment. — 

Leave the foal alone; do not try to do anything with the 
legs. Simply feed him well, and as he gets strong on his legs, 
they will straighten up. 

DISTEMPER IN FOALS.— See "Distemper, or Stran- 
gles," page 197. 



CASTRATION— DISEASES AND TROUBLES 
FOLLOWING 



This operation had best be left to the veterinarian, when- 
ever it is possible to do so. It is usually done at one year 
of age, but may be accomplished when a few weeks old, at the 
expense of an imperfect development of the fore parts. The sim- 
plicity and safety of the operation are greatest in the young, but 
a delay until two, three, or four years old will, in some cases, 
secure a better development and carriage of the fore parts. The 
essential part of castration is the safe removal or destruction of 
the testicle, and the arrest and prevention of bleeding from the 
spermatic artery found in the anterior part of the cord. The 
months of April, May or June are the best months to operate in, 
after the colt has been turned out to gi'ass for ten days or more, 
and is shedding his coat. The fall of the year is also a good time 
for operating. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 173 

PRECAUTIONS BEFORE OPERATING.— Do not 

operate on a colt unless he is in good condition and healthy. 
Select a time when the weather is right — neither too hot, nor too 
cold — avoid cold winds and damp weather particularly. If more 
than a year old, feed lightly the day previous, so the bowels will 
be empty, as it makes it easier on the colt when thrown and tied. 
Find out before throwing, by question and examination, if the 
colt has been ruptured ; and also see if both testicles are down 
before throwing the animal. Wash and oil the sheath of old 
horses a few days in advance of operating, as it often prevents 
swelling. 

THROWING, OR CASTING, A HORSE. — Under 
Operations two methods of casting a horse are given, but we 
give another here, which is commonly practiced in this country 
— the rope tackling. Take about 40 feet of ^-inch rope; make 
a loop by doubling it in the center, tie a knot, and slip the loop 
over the head; pass the ends of the rope back, one on each side, 
and run the rope through the ring in the hind hobble, which is 
made of a heavy thick strap, and buckles on the hind leg below 
the fetlock, and has a ring in front of it to rim the rope through. 
Pass the rope forward, after it is put through the ring in the 
hobble, up to the neck, and through the loop at the neck. 
Repeat on the other side. Now have a man at the head back 
the colt, pulling the head to one side, and pushing towards the 
other side, while a man on each side pulls on the ropes. This 
will throw the animal and he can be securely tied, so as not to 
hurt himself. He will throw more easily if one front foot is 
strapped up, as described under "Training a Vicious Horse." 
Roll the colt partially upon his back, and place a rail along the 
side, and he is in a position for operating. Some operate stand- 
ing. 

EXPOSING THE TESTICLES.— This part of the 
operation is the same with all the methods. First, have the 
knife and all instruments, or cords, if used, lying in a solution of 
Carbolic Acid for one-half hour before the operation. When 
everything is ready, wash the scrotum with some of the Carbolic 



174 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

solution, and also the hands; take one of the testicles in the left 
hand and roll it so that it lies perfectly straight with the dividing 
line of the scrotum, and so the line comes nearly on top of the 
testicle; hold the testicle firm, take the knife, which should be 
very sharp, and make a good free cut, about one-half inch from 
the dividing line, and straight with it, down onto the testicle; 
try and cut through with one stroke, so that the testicle will pop 
out; if the testicle does not come out with the first stroke, make 
another and it should; if cut clear down onto, the testicle will 
pop out easily. After the testicle pops out, pick it up with the 
left hand and cut the thin attachment back of the cord, which 
leaves the back end of the testicle free. The testicle can then be 
drawn out further and removed by some one of the following 
methods. Repeat the operation on the other testicle, dash a little 
of the Carbolic solution into each of the wounds, and let the 
colt up. 

OPERATING WITH CLAMPS.— This is the old 
method and should not be used, as the newer methods, given 
below, are less painful. The clamps were made of good, 
tough wood, four or five inches long, grooved along the center 
of opposing surfaces, which were filled with an ointment made 
by mixing i drachm of Sulphate of Copper with i ounce of 
lard . One end of the clamps were tied with strong twine, leaving 
the other end free. The exposing of the testicle was the same 
as now practiced with the other operations. After being exposed 
the testicle was taken hold of with the left hand and the clamp 
with the right, and slipped over the cord, drawing the cord just 
moderately tight, and spreading it out in the clamp; the clamp 
was then tightened at the end that was not tied, with a pair of 
castrating pincers, and tied good and tight with strong twine. 
The testicle, and the part of the cord below the clamp, leaving 
from a half to an inch of the cord, was then cut off and the 
clamp left in place for twenty-four hours; then by cutting the 
twine at one end of the clamp, the latter was opened and the 
stump liberated without danger of bleeding. If the stump hung 
outside the wound it was pushed inside with the finger and left 
there. A clamp was used for each testicle, and placed so as to 
lie lengthwise of the scrotimi. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 175 

OPERATING WITH THE ECRASEUR.— This is a 
newer method of operating and is not so painful as that by the 
use of clamps. After liberating the testicle, slip it through the 
looped chain of the ecraseur and slip the chain up the cord some 
two or three inches from the testicle, then draw chain down and 
by slowly turning the ratchet, crush the cord off. The secret of 
success is to turn slowly so as not to crush the cord too rapidly; 
it is the crushing which stops the bleeding, and when crushed too 
rapidly, bleeding sometimes follows. When the cord is crushed 
off, the body end goes back into the scrotum out of sight. In 
placing the ecraseur over the testicle, place the blunter side of 
the slot through which the chain draws, next to the body; it 
crushes more than the sharp side, which tends to cut. 

In colts two or three years old, as an extra precaution against 
bleeding, the cord may be crushed twice, the first time the ecraseur 
is turned down and crushes the cord some, but not clear off; then 
loosen up the ecraseur, drop it down half an inch and crush the 
cord off. 

OPERATING WITH THE EMASCULATOR.-The 

emasculator is an instrument something like a pair of pincers with 
one arm having a single jaw and the other a double, the single 
working between the double. One side of the jaws is roughened 
so as to crush, the other is sharp and cuts. The instrument is 
used by placing the cord between the jaws some two or three 
inches from the testicle, being sure that the rough side is next to 
tbe body so as to crush the end of the cord; close the jaws by 
pressing the handles and the testicle is cut off and the body end of 
the cord crushed. Some prefer this instrument to the ecraseur; 
it is a little more rapid, and better where the animal is operated 
upon standing. One or the other of these two instruments 
is used almost exclusively now in operating upon colts. 

OPERATING BY SEARING. — This is another old 
method and still used in some sections; it is a modification of the 
clamp system. Iron clamps are used instead of wooden ones. 
Cut the cord close to the clamp, and have a hot iron ready; dip it 
in oil and sear the end of the cord and artery ; this prevents bleeding. 



176 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Now remove iron clamp and the cord goes back into the scrotum. 
Operate on the other testicle in same manner. By oiling the iron, 
it is kept from sticking and pulling away the scab. 

OPERATING BY LIGATURES.— This is used more on 
bulls and boars than on horses. It is much like the clamps, 
differing by tying a string around the cord in place of the clamp. 
Better than the clamp, for as soon as the testicle is cut off, the 
cord goes back into the scrotum, and so relieves the pain caused 
by keeping it drawn down so long. The ligature does not need 
to be put on as tight as the clamps do, and so is not so painful — 
just tight enough not to slip off. Catgut should be used, as it 
will be absorbed and cause no trouble; a guitar or violin string 
answers nicely. 

CASTRATING ORIGINALS, OR RIDGLINGS.— 
CRYPTORCHIDS.— This is the removal of a testicle or testi- 
cles that have not descended into the scrotum, but have been 
detained in the inguinal canal or inside the abdomen. The cause 
of this is not fully understood. The operation is one requiring 
expert knowledge, and space will not be taken up in trying to 
describe it here. If testicles are not down in a yearling, it is 
best to let the animal run over for a year or so, for the testicles, 
often come down of themselves later on. 

PAIN AFTER CASTRATION.— Sometimes a colt will 
manifest colicky pains after castration; if so, give ^ ounce of 
Laudanum, or ]i teaspoonful of Fluid Extract of Belladonna to 
a yearling. Repeat in an hour, if necessary. 

HOW TO CARE FOR A COLT AFTER OPERA- 
TION. — Put the colt in a stable and keep him quiet for from twelve 
to twenty hours, then turn him out, taking him up cold nights, 
and in rainy, damp weather; if weather is so he cannot run out, 
exercise each day. Feed on grass only. The day after the opera- 
tion, oil the fingers of the right hand and place them between the 
edges of each wound, opening them, as they are apt to be stuck 
together and prevent discharging. Repeat each day for three or 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE i77 

four days, to be sure the cuts are kept open. If colt commences 
to get at all stiff, or swelling becomes extensive, flush out the 
wound twice a day with; 

Carbolic Acid % ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Use a bulb syringe and flush out freely. A twist on the nose 
will control the colt. After two or three days there should be 
some discharge. If swelling should become very bad, bathe the 
scrotum with hot water. 

BLEEDING AFTER CASTRATION.— This may be 
from the veins in the scrotum, or from the artery of the cord. 
If from the veins, it can be told by its dribbling away from cuts 
and from its dark color. From an artery the bleeding is more 
rapid and may come in jets, and is a bright red color. 

Treatment. — 

If warm weather, and the veins bleed too continuously, dash 
cold water onto the scrotum. Cold water dashed onto the loins 
will also help stop the flow of blood. Occasionally the scrotum 
will have to be plugged with cotton saturated with an astringent 
lotion, as Alum or Copperas 2 ounces, water i pint; injecting the 
lotion into the scrotum may check flow. Remove cotton next day. 

If from the artery in the cord, put a twist on the colt's nose, 
and then reach up into the scrotum with the thumb and first 
finger, find the end of the cord; bring it down, and have an 
assistant tie a string around it; use catgut, if possible, if not, 
leave ends of string long, so they hang from the scrotum, and the 
string will then come away later. If the cord cannot be reached, 
plug scrotum as above. Monsell's solution, diluted with equal 
parts of water, is more powerful than the Alum or Copperas 
solution, but is more irritating. In reaching into the scrotum 
use Carbolized Oil on the hands. 

RUPTURE (HERNIA).— It sometimes occurs that the 
animal has a small rupture that was not noticed before operation 
was performed; or, in some cases the animal will rupture himself 
at time of operation. 



178 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Syrnpto77is— 'Bowels will be noticed to be hanging out of the 
cut; there maybe but a few inches, but sometimes they will come 
down so that they will be trampled under foot. If very far out, 
and they become strangulated and inflamed, the horse will be in 
great pain and act as in inflammation of the bowels. Bowels will 
be bluish-red, and after a time, if left out, will become mortified. 

Treatment. — 

If bowels are out, inflamed and bruised under the feet, and 
he seems in great pain, nothing perhaps can be done but kill the 
horse. If only a small amount of bowel is out, cast animal and 
secure him. Flush off the bowel with: 

Carbolic Acid 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Water , i quart. 

Pick up the inner lining of the scrotum and sew up the cut 
in it, or plug up the scrotum with cotton saturated in the Carbolic 
Acid solution If the cotton is used, one stitch best be taken in 
the cut in the scrotum, to keep it in; remove a part only of the 
cotton the following day, the remainder of it the second and third 
days, by which time the opening through which the bowel came 
will be closed. Feed a laxative diet and give Yz teaspoonful of 
Saltpeter three times a day. 

FATTY CURTAIN COVERING THE BOWELS 
COMING DOWN AFTER CASTRATION.— Sometimes 
where there is a slight rupture, and after animal has been about 
for a few hours, the fatty curtain covering the bov/els comes out. 
It may be but a few inches, but may be a couple of feet. It is 
generally red in color and has a fatty appearance. It may cause 
the animal no inconvenience, as he seems to feel well and has a 
good appetite. 

Treatment. — 

The same as for "Hernia;" or, remove the lining that hangs 
out with a pair of scissors or a knife, and see that no more comes 
down. There is but little danger from bleeding. 

ABSCESSES IN SCROTUM AFTER CASTRA- 
TION. — This sometimes occurs after animal is apparently well. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 179 

Causes. — A piece of the dead cord; some dried matter; from 
the ligature when an ordinarj^ string is used. 

Symptoms. — There is heat, pain, and swelling in the scrotum; 
soreness to the touch and stiffness of the gait in hind parts. 

Treatment, — 

Encourage formation of matter by poultices, and when it 

"comes to a head," open and let the matter escape. In some 

cases, when poulticed, it will break of its own accord. After it is 

open, flush it freely with; 

Carbolic Acid ^ ounce. 

Water i pint, 

And repeat daily until well. 

SWELLING AFTER CASTRATION.— A small 

amount of swelling is not a bad sign, and is to be expected, but 
when very bad, so that it affects the animal's appetite, and incli- 
nation to move about, the discharge being changed to a watery 
character, and red in color, the case assumes a serious stage and 
needs attention. 

Causes. — From exposure; from allowing wounds to heal too 
soon; or from lack of cleanliness in operation. Dirty quarters 
may also be a cause, as also a bad condition of the blood. 

Treatment. — 

Keep the bowels open with small doses of raw Linseed Oil; 

bathe cuts well with warm water. After parts have been bathed, 

flush out freely with antiseptics. 

Carbolic Acid ^ ounce 

Water I pint. 

After bathing and opening cuts, and washing them out, 
apply a poultice of warm Linseed meal and bran, and hold it to 
wound by means of strings over the back. Repeat bathing, flush- 
ing and poulticing three or four times daily. Feed soft food 
and give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna ^ ounce. 

Fluid Extract Aconite >^ drachm. 

Alcohol 4 ounces. 

Saltpeter i ounce. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: i ounce for a yearling, 2 ounces for a 
two-year-old, three times a day. 



i8o THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

In bad cases, where swelling extends along under the belly- 
also give: 

Tincture of Iron 2 drachms. 

Quinine H drachm. 

Water K pint- 

Give as one dose; repeat three times a day. 

Give gentle exercise, and as soon as horse begins to eat, and 
the discharge is a healthy, white one, the condition may be con- 
sidered favorable. 

SCHIRRUS CORD— TUMOR OF THE CORD.— 

This is a growth at the end of the cord. 

Cmises. — From cord being pulled down in removing clamp; 
from colt biting and pulling down on account of itching. When 
not put back into the scrotum, after removing clamp, the cut 
heals around it and holds it down, and the cord being exposed to 
the air becomes irritated and diseased, and a growth forms at the 
end. Much more common when clamps were used. 

Treatment. — 

If it is noticed at the time, bathe in warm water to soften 
cut, and with oiled fingers, break cord loose from skin and push 
back into scrotum. If not noticed at the time, and it gets large, 
it will be necessary to operate on it. Cast animal and secure him. 
Break the skin from cord with the fingers, using knife only when 
necessary to get the cord loose. Put a clamp on or ligate the 
cord so the diseased part can be cut off below the clamp, and leave 
the clamp on, when used, for two or three days. Then cut twine 
off and remove. An ecraseur best be used to crush the cord. 
If animal swells after operation, treat as directed in such condi- 
tions after castration. Feed with soft feed, adding Flaxseed 
to keep bowels free. Serious cases would require professional 
service. Profuse bleeding is apt to follow the separating of the 
tumor from the surrounding tissue. 

PERITONITIS FOLLOWING CASTRATION.— 

This is an inflammation of the lining of the scrotum and 
extending up and including the lining of the belly cavity. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 



i8r 



Causes. — From bungling work in operating, and from filthy- 
instruments and hands; from too severe medicines used on clamps, 
when used; from exposure by lying out on damp ground, or from 
cold winds and rains. Inflammation begins in the scrotum and 
extends upward until the serous membrane of the abdominal 
cavity is involved. It generally comes on about the third or 
fourth day after castration. 

Treatment.— 

Treat cuts as in "Swelling after Castration," and give general 
treatment as in "Peritonitis," giving a yearling colt J^ the dose 
prescribed for the adult. 

LOCK-JAW (TETANUS) AFTER CASTRATION. 

— This comes on from the ninth to twenty-first day after operat- 
ing, and may ensue in a case that is apparently doing well. 

Causes. — The disease is due to the germ which causes it, 
gaining entrance into the wound, and the wound healing over, 
forms an ideal condition for the development of the disease. 

Treatment.— 

See "I/)ck-Jaw" in Diseases of Brain and Nervous 
System. 

BLINDNESS (AMAUROSIS) FOLLOWING CAS- 
TRATION. — This disease is sometimes noticed to come o x after 
castration, especially if animal bleeds freely at the time. For 
further detail, see article on the subject in Diseases of the Eye. 



i82 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

RUPTURES (HERNIAS) AND METHODS 
OF TREATMENT 



SCROTAL HERNIA, OR RUPTURE INTO THE 
BAG. — This is a case where the bowels pass down through the 
abdominal rings, into the scrotum. 

Causes. — Some foals are ruptured at birth, and may never 
recover from it. Running, jumping, or other violent exercise, 
may result in hernia, or it may occur in castration. 

Symiptoms. — The scrotum is larger than it should be, and on 
pressure the bowel will go back through the ring to the belly 
cavity, but descends again as soon as pressure is relaxed. It 
may affect one or both sides, most often but one. 

Treatment. — 

If in a colt that has not been castrated, this may be got 
rid of by castration, though it will often disappear if let alone for 
some time. If a colt has a hernia at one year old it is often well 
to let him go longer and it may disappear. In case it is desired 
to castrate and cure rupture at same time, have animal fast a day 
or so before operating, then cast and secure him, as in ordinary 
castration. Push the bowel and fatty lining back into the belly, 
and taking up the testicle in the left hand, also allow the hand 
to rest on the opening where the bowel comes out; expose the 
testicle, as in ordinary castration, except that the innermost 
covering is not cut through, but pressed out of the scrotum along 
with the testicle, and when out, slip the clamp over the cord, and 
cover and fasten it securely, as described under Castration. 
Cut off the testicle's covering below the clamp. This will prevent 
the rupture from coming down. A day or so after operation the 
swelling will fill up the opening where the bowel came down, 
and the rupture will disappear. Remove the clamp after four or 
five days. A good ligature may be used in place of the clamp. 
In the case of a stallion, treat in the same manner. For treat- 
ment of castrated horses see "Rupture Following Castration," 
It is always best to secure a veterinarian for this operation, if 
possible. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 183 

INGUINAL HERNIA, OR RUPTURE INTO THE 
ABDOMINAL RINGS.— This may be called an incomplete 
scrotal hernia, and like the latter, may exist and cause no sign 
of distress, or it may become strangulated and cause the death of 
the animal. This form is seen most in stallions. 

Symptoms. — When during the existence of symptoms as in 
colic, we find a stallion kicking with his hind feet, while standing 
or lying on his back, we should look at once to the inguinal 
region or to the scrotum. There is a soft, puffy swelling on the 
surface in the groin that ought to be smooth, and by pressure is 
easily pushed back, but only remains so long as pressure is main- 
tained. By examining through the rectum just in front of the 
floor of the bony arch, the bowel may be detected passing into the 
ring. One or both sides may be affected. 

Treatment.— 

There is probably no successful treatment that an unskilled 
person could give, so space will not be given to describe treat- 
ment, except to say that the immediate treatment is to remove 
the loop of the intestine by pulling it out of the ring, the hand 
being in the rectum. If it is relieved, it is apt to re-occur unless 
the animal is castrated. 

VENTRAL HERNIA, OR RUPTURE OF ABDOM- 
INAL WALLS. — In this form there is a protrusion of the 
bowel through a rupture in the abdominal walls, to the skin. It 
may occur in any part of the belly, except at the navel. 

Causes. — Kicks, blows, hooks, severe jumping, or pulling, 
etc. 

Symptoms. — There is a swelling, and when animal is placed 
in favorable position the intestines can be made to disappear, and 
there can be felt the opening or rent in the abdominal coats or 
tunics. 

Treatment. — 

In many cases there is no occasion for treatment; and again, 
where the rupture is too extensive, treatment does no good. If 
hernia is not large we may attempt a cure by the methods used 



i84 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

in "Navel Rupture," or if fortunate enough to be present when 
the rupture occurs, and particularly if not large, an application 
of a pad and broad bandage may effect a cure. It is possible for 
a surgeon to cut through the skin and sew up the rupture in the 
muscular wall, then sewing up the cut in the skin. Keep the 
animal quiet. 

NAVEL, OR UMBILICAL RUPTURE.— When the 
navel opening does not properly close at the time of birth the 
bowels come down through the opening and form a pouch or sac 
in the skin, varying in size from that of a hen's egg to that of a 
man's fist. Like other forms of rupture at birth, it may disap- 
pear entirely by the time the animal has reached its second or 
third year. Age favors self cure. 

Causes. — One of the principal causes of this form in colts is 
keeping the little fellow from the dam, causing him to neigh, or 
cry. The contraction of the abdominal muscles and pressure on 
the bowels during neighing seem to open the umbilicus and 
induce rupture. It may be caused in adults by accidents, but is 
very rare. 

Treatment. — 

Keep the animal fasting for twenty-four hours; cast, and 
secure him. Return the bowel carefully into the abdomen, draw 
up the skin over opening and put a heavy stiff clamp on it; 
secure both ends of clamps with stout cord and run two skewers, 
or two or three darning needles, through the skin, below the 
clamp, to prevent it slipping off. (Break off points of darning 
needles to prevent catching.) Let animal up and leave the 
clamp on until it falls off of its own accord, which is usually from 
twelve to fifteen days, by which time the opening will heal up 
and the rupture be cured. Watch raw place left by the clamp, 
especially in warm weather, and dress occasionally with Carbolic 
lotion to keep off flies. A modification of above is to use a cord 
in the place of the clamp. Great care must be taken not to draw 
skin too tight, as this would cause too speedy a slough of the 
skin, the opening not having time to close, the intestines would 
come out and death ensue. A pad with broad bandage, having 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 185 

rubber in it, is sometimes used, but it is difficult to keep in place. 
Blisters are often applied over swelling, and as skin hardens and 
contracts, by formation of scabs, an artificial bandage, or pressure, 
is produced, that at times is successful. Another method is to 
clip the hair from the skin over the swelling, and then apply 
Nitric Acid with a small brush, using only enough to moisten 
the skin. This sets up a deep-seated inflammation, that in many 
cases closes the opening. The surgeon can operate the same as 
in "Ventral Hernia." 



DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE EAR 



DEAFNESS.— 

Causes. — By an excess of noise; or from a disease of the 
drum. 

Symptoms. — Animal seems stubborn, and cannot be taught to 
obey commands. 

Treatment. — 

Little can be done. Place a twitch on the horse's nose, and 
pour a little Olive Oil in his ears; this sometimes benefits. 

INJURIES OR CUTS AROUND THE EAR.— If the 

skin or cartilage is torn, put a twitch on animal's nose; take a 
needle used for sewing cuts in skin, and draw edges together with 
silk. Bathe well with warm water twice daily and apply Carbolic 
lotion. 

DISEASE OF THE CARTILAGE.— 

Causes. — Usually an injury of some kind. 
Symptoms.— '^\\& cartilage will fester and break at times 
where affected. 



i86 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment, — 

Put a twitch on horse's nose, and with a sharp knife split 
skin and tissue open to the diseased part; scrape out all diseased 
matter, and cauterize with a stick of lyunar Caustic. Afterwards 
treat as an open wound. 

TUMORS OF THE EAR.— Sometimes tumors of various 
sizes and shapes are seen in the ear of the horse. 

Causes. — Irritation and inflammation of the skin of the ear, 
producing small pimples of proud flesh. 

Symptoms. — Shaking of the head; will not allow familiarity; 
runs or starts back when collar is taken off over the head. 

Treatment. — 

Remove with the knife, scissors, or with a stick of Luuar 
Caustic. Then apply remedies as for a simple sore. 

FROST BITES OF THE EAR.— Bathe with cold water 
as soon as observed, and apply the White I^otion (see page 263) 
afterward, three or four times daily. If taken in time it will save 
the ear. If ear becomes dead and drops off, treat the same until 
healed. An application of snow is good to draw out frost, if 
noticed while frozen. 



DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE EYE 



SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA— CONJUNCTIVITIS.— 

This is an inflammation of the outer covering of the eye and the 
lining of the eyelid. 

Ca2ises. — The result of an injury by whips, sticks, twigs, or 
the presence of foreign bodies, as hayseed, chaff, lime, sand, 
ammonia arising from excretions, etc. It may also arise from 
extremes ot heat or cold, or from exposure. It may accompany 
other diseases. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 187 

Symptoms. — The eye is kept partly or nearly closed, eyelid 
swollen, and tears flow copiously down the cheek; the lining is 
red and inflamed, with haw drawn well up in the eye. After a 
day or two the eye becomes clouded with a film-like substance, 
and if neglected, this condition becomes more pronounced, and 
becomes chronic, resisting treatment, and finally ends in blind- 
ness. 

Treatment. — 

Make a careful examination and remove offending object, if 
from presence of some substance in the eye. A silk handkerchief 
passed over the head of a pin may be used. If from other causes, 
remedy them. Make a thick pad of w^oolen cloth, wet in cold 
water, and bind on over the eye, applying fresh water every half 
hour; keep the cold pack on almost continuously during the day; 
drop into the eye three times a day, from a medicine dropper, 10 
to 20 drops of the following: 

Nitrate of Silver 3 grains. 

Water i ounce. 

Keep the solution in the dark. Or, dust into the ej^e some 
of the following powder: finely pulverized Boracic Acid and Calo- 
mel, equal parts; blow in gently from a paper cylinder. If eye 
is very cloudy and the foregoing does not clear it up, use Nitrate 
of Silver, 5 grains, to an ounce of water, dropping 10 to 15 drops 
into the eye, three times a day. A few drops of the following 
mixture: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i teaspoonful, 

Water 2 ounces, 

Dropped into the eye will also help to relieve. In mild cases, and 
if the animal is to be worked, shade the eye by fastening a 
piece of cloth to the blinder of the bridle. 

If it becomes difficult to remove a foreign body, deaden the 
sensation of the eye by dropping into it 10 to 20 drops of a 5 per 
cent, solution of Cocaine; have a druggist make up the solution. 
Give laxative diet, and a teaspoonful of Saltpeter three times a 
day. 



i88 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

MOON BLINDNESS, OR PEROIDIC OPHTHAL- 
MIA. — This is an inflammation of the inner structures of the 
eye. It is said to be quite common in the West. It is hereditary, 
being transmitted by either of the parents. 

Ca7ises. — The exact cause of the disease is not known. As 
stated above, it is transmissible from either of the parents. 
Extremes of heat and cold, dark, damp stables, and unwholesome 
food, are contributary causes. 

Symptoms. — These vary according to severity of attack, but 
are well marked, and with history, little trouble is had in 
determining case. There is swelling of the whole eye, and the 
eyeball becomes hard from effusion into its cavity. Eye is 
closed, or nearly so, from the light, tears run down the cheeks, 
and membranes become very red. In first attacks, symptoms 
resemble very closely those of simple ophthalmia. As a result of 
inflammation, pus is formed in the anterior chamber, and may be 
seen as a whitish substance down in the lower portion. After a 
few days the inflammation subsides, and leaves the eye nearly as 
bright as natural, but if examined closely after a few attacks, 
shreds of lymph will be seen hanging around in the anterior 
chamber, especially at the bottom, and the pupil is ragged. In 
from four weeks to three or four months the trouble will recur, 
and will be repeated again and again until blindness results. 
Each attack leaves the eye less bright, and pupil more ragged. 
May effect one or both eyes. 

Treatment. — 

This is not satisfactory, as the cases result finally in total 
blindness, but the disease may be kept back by following the 
treatment as given in "Simple Ophthalmia." Animals thus 
affected should never be used for breeding. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE IRIS— IRITIS.— This is 

an inflammation of that portion of the eye surrounding the pupil 
and giving the color to the eye. 

Causes. — Severe external violence; extremes of light and 
darkness; exposure to storms; facing the wind, and constitutional 

disorders. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 



Symptoms. — A pink ring is seen around the white, fibrous coat 
forming the large posterior portion of the eye — the sclerotic — where 
it unites with the iris. The e3^e is retracted and partly closed; 
the haw is drawn up; the conjunctiva is inflamed; the pupil is 
very small, and the aqueous humor becomes turbid, with white 
flakes floating in the anterior chamber, and usually a little pus at 
the bottom of the latter. 

Treatment. — 

Place the horse in a dark stall, and hang a cloth over affected 
eye or eyes when cold pack is not used. If in good condition, 
give a 4-drachm dose of Barbadoes Aloes, and if there is any 
reason to suspect a rheumatic origin, give: 

Fluid Extract of Colcliicum Seed. ... ',4 drachm, 

Salol I or 2 drachms, 

Two or three times a day. 

Apply to the eye the lotions recommended for ' ' Simple 
Ophthalmia," and also apply the cold pack. Use the Belladonna 
lotion. Give light laxative diet and a teaspoonful of Saltpeter 
three times a day. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE HAW OF THE EYE— 

This is an inflammation of the cartilage (Membrana Nicitans) 
in the inner corner of the eye. 

Causes. — From chaff or other foreign substance getting into 
the eye and setting up an irritation. 

Symptmis. — The haw, which in normal conditions is only a 
small part visible, becomes by inflammation enlarged and spread 
over a large part of the eye. 

Treatment. — 

Examine eye, and if any foreign substance is found remove 
it, and give treatment as for "Simple Ophthalmia." Sometimes 
this membrane is attacked by cancerous formations, in which case, 
touch the growths with a Lunar Caustic pencil, and if this does 
not destroy growth it will be necessary to remove the haw; but 
this membrane was put in the eye for the purpose of protection 
and should not be cut away unless absolutely necessary. When 



I90 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

this is necessary, the Cocaine solution should be used; the horse 
secured, the eye held open and the haw seized by forceps, drawn 
out from the eye, and cut off with blunt-pointed scissors. There 
is but little bleeding and no pain if Cocaine is used. The 
operation should be performed by a veterinarian. 

CATARACT OF THE EYE.— This is a turning white 
of a structure of the eye known as the crystalline lens. 

Causes. — From repeated attacks of inflammation, or may be 
present at birth. May develop and one not be able to assign 
cause. 

Symptoms. — Usually the pupil is much dilated; back of it is 
seen a white body — the opaque lens. The condition comes on 
more or less gradual, and at first a close examination may be 
necessary. Examine first in strong sunlight, and note degree of 
contraction of pupil — should be small; then place in a dark stall 
and examine with a candle. The healthy eye reflects three can- 
dles — one from the cornea, the second from the lens, the third 
from back of lens. When either of last two are blurred or want- 
ing, no further proof is needed. 

Treatment. — 

Is unsuccessful. In early stage may be treated as for ' 'Simple 
Ophthalmia." 

STAR GAZER— GUTTA SERENA, OR GLASS 
EYE— AMAUROSIS.— This is paralysis of the optic nerve and 
retina. The latter is the expansion of the optic nerve over the 
back chamber of the eye. 

Causes. — Tumors or other diseases of the brain implicating the 
roots of the optic nerve; injury to the nerve between the brain and 
eye; inflammation of the optic nerve within the eye, or undue pres- 
sure on the same from dropsical or inflammatory effusion. It may 
also occur from an overloaded stomach, from profuse bleeding, 
and even from the pressure of the heavy womb in gestation. 

Symptoms. — There is a wide dilation of the pupil, so as to 
show fully the interior of the eye, the expansion remaining the 
same in light or darkness. In ordinary ej^es, the pupils, when 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 191 

brought to the light, contract, and then dilate and contract 
alternately until adapted to the light. The horse does not dodge 
when a motion is made as though to strike him, unless hand 
causes a current of air. The ears are held erect and turn quickly 
toward any sound, and horse steps high to avoid stumbling over 
objects he cannot see. 

Treatment. — 

This is only useful when disease is a symptom of some 
curable cause, like congested brain, loaded stomach, or heavy 
womb. When recovery does not follow termination of these con- 
ditions, give I drachm doses of Nux Vomica daily. Probably 
incurable. 

FILARIA OCULI, OR WORM IN THE EYE.— This 

is a small, thread-like worm, which can be plainly seen floating 
about in the aqueous humor, in the anterior chamber of the eye. 
It is from a half to two inches in length. It is probably taken 
into the system in the form of egg or lar\'a, with food or water, 
especially the latter, works its way into the circulation and finally 
settles in the eye. It causes inflammation and destruction of the 
eye, unless removed. A very uncommon condition. 

Treatment. — 

The only remedy is to cast the animal and secure him; 
Cocaine the eye and then make an incision in the upper border of 
the cornea, close to the sclerotic or white of the eye, the point of 
the instrument being pointed forward slightly to avoid injury to 
the iris. This will evacuate the anterior of the eye, and the 
worm will come out with the fluid. Then apply cold water and 
astringent lotions as in-"Simple Ophthalmia." Keep the animal 
quiet after the operation, and put him in a clean, dark, box stall 
for a few days. This operation should always be performed by a 
veterinarian. 

INVERSION OF THE EYELIDS— ENTROPIUM.— 

This is an inversion of the eyelids, causing the lashes to turn in 
upon the eyeballs, and giving rise to irritation. It is due to 
sxcessive thickness of the lid above the rim, so that the rim is 
made to turn in. Result of inflammation, injuries, etc. 



192 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Trkatment. — 

This is relieved by cutting out an elliptical section of the 
skin, the long axis of the ellipse to run lengthwise with the 
eyelid, and sewing up the wound again to shorten the lid. 
Afterwards dress wound. 

EVERSION OF THE EYELIDS— ECTROPIUM.- 

This is consequent on an inflamed and thickened lining membrane, 
causing the lid to turn out. It is most common in the lower lid. 
It is cured by the removing of a horizontal elliptical section of 
the lining membrane, and drawing the edges of the wound 
together to shorten the inner side of the lid. The after treatment 
is as in "Simple Ophthalmia." The veterinarian should be 
employed for these operations. 

INJURIES TO THE EYELIDS.— The eyelids of horses 
are frequently torn and injured in various ways. When torn 
the edges should be brought together as promptly as possible, by 
sewing them with fine silk, making fine stitches, and dressing 
two or three times a day with Carbolic lotion. Tie the horse in 
the center of a wide stall, with a line from each side, so that he 
cannot rub his head and tear the wound, and feed him from the 
floor. A twitch on the nose will answer in some cases to hold 
the animal, but it may be necessary to throw him. The Cocaine 
solution, as for removing foreign bodies (see in ''Simple Oph- 
thalmia"), if used in the injury, will deaden pain and render 
animal quiet. 

INJURIES TO THE DUCTS OF THE EYE.— These 

are the ducts or tubes that carry the tears from the eyes into 
the nasal passages. They leave the eye from the bottom of the 
inner corner. When these become injured or obstructed the 
tears will flow over the cheek. 

Causes. — Injuries to face, growths in the duct, and inflam- 
mation of duct extending from nasal cavities. 

Treatment. — 

Examine to see if there is any mechanical obstruction; if so 
remove same, if possible. A nasal douche, as in "Catarrh," 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 193 

may benefit. Bathing the face below the eye, along line of nose, 
with hot water, may help. Steaming nasal cavities, as in 
"Catarrh," is another treatment. Rub Tincture of Iodine on 
the face below the eye, along the line of the nose. Still another 
plan is to put the point of a small syringe into the small hole 
found in the bottom part of the nasal passage, and force warm 
water or astringent washes up through the duct until it comes 
out at the corner of the eye, or force solution through the duct 
in the same manner from the eye end of the duct. 



CONTAGIOUS DISEASES AND FEVERS 
OF THE HORSE 



HORSE POX-EQUINE VARIOLA.— All animals have 
a pox peculiar to their kind; the forms seem closely allied. They 
are all contagious from one animal to another, of the same 
species, and usually among the different species, to a greater or 
less extent. Having any of the different kinds of variola once, 
gives immunity from subsequent attacks of the other kinds, for 
a number of years, at least. The period of incubation — time 
after exposure before disease develops — is about ten days. 

Causes. — The direct cause of horse pox is infection by com- 
munication in some way with animals that have the disease- 
Colts are particularly susceptible to contagion. It may be carried 
in the air; harness and blankets used by horses with the disease 
may also be a means of contagion. A stallion with the disease 
may, through mares, spread it to many farms. Attendants carry 
contagion on their clothes and hands, and may get inoculated, 
which answers for vaccination. This, however, is more severe 
than when vaccinated with cow pox, and should be avoided. 

Sympto?ns. — There is a slight, sometimes a severe, fever, 
mucous membranes highly reddened, heat and swelling of affected 

13 



194 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

parts for a day or two; then hard lumps like shot form, increasing 
in size to one-half inch in diameter; the hair ruflQes up and skin 
reddens around the pock; on the third to sixth day a limpid, 
yellowish fluid flows from the pustules, and sticks the hair up 
in yellowish scabs, or streaks, on the removal of which a red, raw 
depression is seen with the scab fixed in its center. In three to 
four days the secretion ceases, pustules dry up, parts heal, and 
the scab comes off. The eruption may be more or less general, 
may be confined to softer parts of the body, or about a wound. 

Treatment. — 

Place the horse on a low diet, with little or no grain, give 
bran mashes, a moderate amount of hay, a few carrots or apples — 
which will act as a laxative — and sloppy feed. Give water when 
wanted, but do not have it cold. Give 2 -drachm doses of 
Saltpeter, or i -ounce doses of Sweet Spirits of Niter, three times 
a day. If fever is high, give Fluid Extract of Aconite 10 drops, 
and I drachm of Fluid Extract of Belladonna with the Saltpeter. 
Sulphate of Quinine, in ^-drachm doses, three times a day, is 
valuable. If trouble with air passages and lungs is threatened, 
apply a large Mustard plaster to the belly and sides of the chest, 
and treat as under "Inflammation of Lungs." If the pustules 
run together — are confluent — apply to them Oxide of Zinc 
ointment, or White Lotion, and if ulceration is excessive it may 
have to be touched with Lunar Caustic. 

Exercise great care in keeping animal from draughts; blanket 
or put sheets on the body and bandage the legs. When conva- 
lescent, give food easy to digest, walking exercise, and keep 
bowels free by food or small doses of Glauber's Salts. Animal 
must be kept from other horses, and all straw and manure 
burned. Stable must be scrubbed with disinfectants of the most 
powerful kind, then closed and fumigated by burning sulphur. 
(See Fumigation, under "Disinfectant.") 

GLANDERS AND FARCY.— These are but diiTerent 
names for the same disease, the first being applied to the form 
where the nasal passages, air tubes and lungs are affected, while 
farcy is applied to the form that is manifested in the lymphatic 
glands and other tissues of the legs and body. Glanders covers 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 195 

all forms in fact, while farcy covers the one. The two forms may- 
exist separately, or both may be found in the same case. The 
contagion lies in the discharges, either from the nose or from the 
farcy "buds;" it is contagious only by inoculation or direct con- 
tact — the contagion does not pass through the air. The virus of 
glanders may produce glanders or farcy, or both; and the virus 
of farcy may do the same. 

Causes. — The direct cause is inoculation with the virus from 
some animal having the disease. Working in harness with a 
glandered horse, or standing in the stall or rubbing the nose on a 
hitching post, or fence, or the edge of a water trough where a 
glandered horse has stood. The latter are common means of 
infection, for when a glandered horse is driven up to a post or 
trough, the first thing he does is to wipe off the accumulation of 
matter from his nose, and this will retain its vitality for a long 
time. The poison may lie dormant in the system for from a week 
to two months, and then break out in acute form, causing death 
in from three to six weeks, or it ma}^ appear in a mild and chronic 
form, the horse living and sowing seeds of trouble for others for 
from one to four years. Unscrupulous dealers sometimes traffic 
in glandered animals, explaining that .the running nose is "only 
a cold," and the swollen legs "bad blood," thus aiding the spread 
of the disease. The disease is said to sometimes arise spontane- 
ously in armies, on shipboard, and in damp, badly- ventilated 
stables, but it cannot develop except as the virus is introduced in 
some manner. 

Symptoms. — Acute glanders is characterized by languor; dry, 
staring coat; red, weeping e5'es; loss of appetite; quick pulse; 
elevated temperature, the thermometer showing 103 to 105; 
accelerated breathing; gray purple color of the lining of the 
nose; a watery discharge which soon becomes 5'ellowish and 
sticky, causing the hair on which the matter accumulates, in and 
nround the nostrils, to stick together. Discharge looks like melted 
butter, and sinks when dropped into water. Glands under the 
jaw swell, are rough and often adhere to the bone, but not always; 
jiasal partition becomes ulcerated — small yellow points, with purple 
bases, will come up and burst, making discharge bloody for the 



196 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

time. These ulcers, with depressed centers, will spread and run 
together, producing a ragged sore; the discharge increases; the 
lungs may become affected by ulcers forming in them; breathing 
becomes labored, and finally death ensues. 

In the chronic form, the course is much longer, and toward 
the last all the symptoms are observed in the modified form. At 
first the symptoms may pass unnoticed. The appetite is less 
impaired until near the last; discharge less copious, and emacia- 
tion takes place more slowly. Should the horse be exposed at 
any time to hardship or storms, the chronic may run into the 
acute form. Cough is not always noticed, and ulcers may be so 
far up the nose as to be out of sight. Sometimes it is necessary 
to inoculate a worthless animal, or some small, susceptible 
animal, in order to determine the disease, which, if glanders, will 
run its course in inoculated animals in from two to three weeks; 
or, the suspected is tested with mallein. 

Farcy is recognized by the swelling of the lymphatics affected; 
this occtu-ring along the line of thelymphatics, on the inside of 
the legs, belly, or any part of the body; small, nodular points 
come up, which break and discharge a glairy, unhealthy pus; 
run a few days, dry up and leave a scar or bare spot that is per- 
manent. Other "buds" or "buttons" follow in the same course. 
Swelling of limbs does not yield to treatment, and they become 
chronically enlarged. Discharge is contagious, the same as from 
nose. Farcy sooner or later runs into glanders and terminates in 
death. Summing up the essential symptoms of farc)^ they are: 
the nodules, or buds or buttons, as they are called, which form 
under the skin, varying from the size of a bullet to that of a wal- 
nut, forming most often on the sides of the lips and neck, lower 
part of shoulders, inside of thighs, or the outside of the legs; the 
ulcers formed by the breaking of the buttons, heal slowly, some- 
times not at all; the discharge from the ulcers, and the cords 
formed by swelling and hardening of the lymphatic vessels. 

Glanders, in some respects, resembles chronic catarrh, and 
may be mistaken for it, and catarrh is sometimes mistaken for 
glanders. A discharge from the nostril, the result of diseased 
teeth, has also been mistaken for the discharge of glanders, and 
the horse killed. In all doubtful cases, the horse should be 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 197 

tested with mallein. This is the poison produced by the germ 
causing the disease, and is obtained by cultivating the germs 
artificially. To test the horse, the temperature is taken five or 
six times during the day, and at nine or ten o'clock at night a 
little of the mallein is injected underneath the skin in the region 
of the neck; about eight hours after the injection, the tempera- 
ture is again taken, and the taking repeated each hour through- 
out the day. If the temperature rises two or more degrees higher 
after injection than before, the disease is pronounced glanders. 
If the disease is not glanders, the temperature ought not to rise 
any higher after than before injection. If the animal is affected 
with glanders, there will also be a larger and sorer tumor at the 
point of injection than when not glandered. A veterinarian 
should always apply the test. 

Treatment. — 

No remedies have yet been found that are of any avail what- 
ever. This, added to the fact that the contagion is conveyable 
to man in a very fatal form, adds a still more serious aspect. The 
animal should be destroyed, buried deeply or burned, and the 
stable, harness and everything used about the horse disinfected. 

STRANGLES OR DISTEMPER — COLT -ILL — 
CATARRHAL FEVER.— This is an infectious disease of 
horse, mule or ass. It is most frequently seen in young animals, 
and usually leaves an animal who has had an attack free from 
future trouble of the kind ; generally more severe with older 
animals. It appears as a fever, which lasts for a few days, with 
frequently the formation of abscesses on any part of the body, but 
particularly around the throat. Sometimes there are no abscesses, 
and the fever remains diffused through the system. In case 
abscesses form elsewhere than around the throat, or where there 
are no abscesses, it is called "Bastard Strangles." Period of 
incubation, five to eight days. Course of disease about nine to 
twelve days. 

Causes. — It is thought sometimes that it arises spontaneously 
from the existence in the system of some morbid matter developed 
while growing, for this kind is only found among young horses; 



198 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

but the principal source of contagion is by infection. It is prob- 
ably a germ disease, although no specific germ has ever been 
isolated, 

Syvipioms. — Horse at first is sluggish if used, or when placed 
in stable, and pays little attention to surroundings; appetite is 
variable; thirst is increased, but drinks oftener rather than more 
at a time, and when drinking water comes back through nose; 
coat becomes dry and staring. At times there are chills in one or 
more members, or in severe cases all over the body, with trem- 
bling of muscles, dryness of skin, and hairs on end. Membranes 
of mouth are of a bright rosy color; pulse quickened, temperature 
rises, and breathing may be slightly accelerated. At the end of 
a couple of days there is a cough and nasal discharge, which at 
first is watery, but later thicker, bluish in tinge, and finally 
yellowish, like matter, and increases in quantity. The cough, 
which at first is repeated and harsh, becomes softer as discharge 
increases, but varies according to source of discharge. Shortly 
after discharge, a swelling takes place under the jaw or about the 
throat. Sometimes this is very large, and if about the throat, 
head is carried out. Swelling at first is puffy, somewhat hot and 
tender, and finally becomes distinctly so, and an abscess is felt, or 
having broken, discharge is seen dripping from small opening. 
When swellings come in the lungs, the breathing is affected, with 
symptoms of pneumonia. If in the abdomen, there will be colic 
pains, and he will lie down more or less of the time. Sometimes 
it comes around the heart. Any of the unusual forms are likely 
to be fatal. 

Treatment. — 

Ordinarily, mild cases require little treatment beyond a tea- 
spoonful of Saltpeter and a teaspoonful of Fluid Extract of 
Belladonna, three times a day, along with diet, warm mashes, 
moistened hay, warm coverings, and protection from exposure to 
cold. The latter must be rigidly observed, as lung troubles, 
bronchitis, and laryngitis are often the result of neglect. If the 
case is more severe, give the treatment as for "Laryngitis." 
Steam the head. Give the medicines in form of a paste if the 
throat is sore, as it generally is. Poultice the swellings with 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 199 

Flaxseed poultices, and when they point, open, or let them 
break, and then flush out with Carbolic Acid solution. Prompt 
action may save serious consequences. When lung complications 
show themselves, apply Mustard plaster to belly and sides of the 
chest, and treat as for "Inflammation of the Lungs." When 
convalescence begins, be careful about exposure to cold, and go 
slow about putting animal to anything like hard work. 

The disease is sometimes followed by an unthrifty condition, 
swelling of sheath, legs and underside of belly. In such cases, 

give: 

Tincture of Iron Yz ounce, 

Quinine Yz drachm, 

Water Yz pint, 

Three times a day, in addition to the other treatment. Ounce 
doses of Hyposulphite of Soda are also good in these cases. 

INFLUENZA — PINK-EYE — EPIZOOTIC— This is 

a specific, contagious, and infectious fever of the horse, ass, and 
mule. It is attended with changes in the blood, stupefaction of 
the brain and nervous system, depression of the vital forces, and 
frequently inflammatory complications of the lungs, intestines, 
or other parts of the body. Young horses are more subject to 
the disease than older ones, and one attack usually makes the 
animal immune. 

Causes. — Infection is the direct cause of the disease. The 
germs may be carried through the air to a considerable distance, 
but the bedding, and droppings of sick animals, may convey the 
disease to others, if exposed to them. Drinking troughs, and 
even running water may be a means of spreading disease, while 
attendants of sick animals carry the infection in their clothing. 
From unknown causes the disease may assume an epizootic form, 
affecting a very large number of animals, as in 1872 and 1878. 

Symptoms. — The time of incubation is from five to seven 
days, during which time the horse seems in good health. The 
first symptoms are those of rapidly developing fever, which 
quickly becomes intense; animal is dull and inattentive; stands 
with head down and back on halter, as in serious lung troubles; 
has chills, and frequently grinding of the teeth, which indicates 



200 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

a severe attack. The hair becomes dry and staring, and fever 
ranges high. Horse becomes stupid and immobile; hangs his 
head; ears drooping, and not easy to arouse. Eyes are swollen, 
sometimes entirely closed, and tears run down the cheeks, in 
some cases blistering them. Breathing is quickened to 25 or 30, 
and pulse to 70, 80 and even 100 a minute. Great depression of 
muscular force ensues, and horse stands limp, as if used up. If 
moved seems weak, sometimes almost staggering. The visible 
membranes, as of the eye, from which it took the name "Pink- 
eye," and the mouth and natural openings, become of a deep 
saffron, ochre, or violet red color. There is a great diminution 
of appetite, or total loss, with an excessive thirst. Following 
fever there is apt to be swelling of the sub-cutaneous tissues at 
the fetlocks, of belly, of the sheath of the penis, which may be 
tremendous. In ordinary cases the fever has reached its heighth, 
105 to 107, in twenty-four to forty-eight hours, and so continues 
for from three to four days. At the termination of the course of 
the disease — about three days — the fever diminishes almost as 
rapidly as it began, attended by a diminution of all the unfavor- 
able symptoms, with rapid gain in weight and strength. For 
the first three days of high temperature there is a great tendency 
to constipation, which should be avoided, if possible, for if 
marked, may be followed by a troublesome diarrhea. The 
termination of influenza may be death, due to extreme fever, 
with failure of heart's action; from coma, due to congestion of 
the brain; from blood poison; from suffocation, following con- 
gestion of the lungs; or disease terminates in rapid recovery to 
health; or, in too large a percentage of cases, the course of the 
disease is complicated with local inflammatory troubles, as the 
lung disorders, whose gravity is greater in influenza than when 
occurring separately. 

Treatment. — 

When symptoms are first noticed, lay the horse up at once. 
See that the stable is clean, dry and well aired, but free from 
drafts; blanket body and bandage the legs; give soft food to eat, 
if horse desires food, and if appetite is poor, try a little oats, car- 
rots, apples and the like, grass if in season. Give animal to drink 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 201 

of cold water in small quantities, but often. If seen during chill, 
give I ounce of Alcohol in a little water and repeat every hour 
until chill is off. 

After the chill is over, give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Aconite I drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Alcohol 8 ounces. 

Saltpeter 2 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose, 2 ounces, four times a day. 

Also give J^ -drachm doses of Quinine three or four times a 
day. If the fever runs high give: 

Acetanilid i drachm, 

Alcohol I ounce. 

Water Yz pint. 

Two or three times, as indicated by temperature. 

After two days, use the following in place of the first mix- 
ture: 

Fluid Extract of Digitalis ^ ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna V^ " 

Alcohol 6 ounces. 

Saltpeter i^^ " 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces, four times a day. 

If heart shows weakness, give i or 2 grains of Strychnine 
three or four times a day in addition to the above. If complica- 
tions ensue, treat as for that disease. After animal commences to 
recover, give tonics as for "Chronic Indigestion," and put to 
work gradually after thoroughly recovered. If eyes are badly 
inflamed, treat as for "Ophthalmia." If there is constipation, 
give one pint doses of raw Linseed Oil daily, and injections per 
rectum. Three or 4-ounce doses of Epsom Salts may be used in 
place of the oil. 

•c 

S CALM A. — This is an infectious disease of the horse, 
attended with fever and complications of the bronchial tubes^ 
the windpipe, and the larynx, which are shown by the cough 



202 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

attending. It is similar to "Whooping Cough" in man. It 
occurs often as a stable plague. It is rarely fatal, except from 
complication of pleurisy or excessive spasms of coughing. The 
period of incubation is six to seven days, but may develop in two 
or run on to ten days. Contagion may spread by actual contact, 
as standing in stall where a horse with disease has stood, or it 
may be taken in the air, several stalls distant. One attack is 
usually protective. 

Symptoms. — The disease is ushered in by fever, which 
reaches a high temperature, but not corresponding acceleration of 
breathing and pulse. With fever there is developed a diffuse 
bronchitis, w^hich is sub-acute in character and course. The 
windpipe, larnyx, pharynx and even nasal passages may be 
involved. In two or three days, a grayish discharge occuis from 
the nostrils, which, in variable quantity, may last for from eight 
to fourteen days, or even twenty-one days. The cough is short, 
rough and painful, spasmodic in its occurrence and in character. 
The slight watery or slimy nasal discharge may become more 
profuse, purulent, or even "rusty," if the bronchitis has extended 
to the neighboring structure. Pulse and breathing, usually but 
little quickened, unless from complication or coughing. Tem- 
perature rises rapidly and attains sometimes 107^, but not often. 
In two or three days after cough sets in, temperature usually 
drops. The hide is dry and rough, but horse looks "out of con- 
dition" rather than sick; emaciation is rapid; mucous membranes 
are reddened; appetite diminishes, but animal chew^s constantly; 
eating or drinking cause frequent fits of coughing. Percussion 
on chest shows no changes, but mucus rales are heard, and at 
times tubular breathing. Throughout the course of the disease 
we have one constant symptom — neivous irritability. Horse 
flinches when touched on the loins, even at high fever tempera- 
tures, stands with head up from entrance of anyone in the stall; 
will bite and strike at first touch, rear, back, and sometimes break 
his halter. Course of disease is five to eight days, but cough 
may continue two or three weeks with variable temperature. In 
recovery the temperature drops, cough becomes less frequent, 
less spasmodic, and appetite returns. 



DISEASES OF THK HORSE 203 

Treatment. — 

The treatment where there are a number of horses should be 
first, preventive. Infected animal should be removed and com- 
plete disinfection follow. The individual treatment should be 
simple. Put horse in large, clean stall, with fresh air without 
drafts, give frequent rubbings and blanket warmly, and tempting 
food to keep up appetite. Regulate the digestive tract with 
small doses of raw Einseed Oil — a pint once a day — and give the 
same prescription as in the previous disorder. When cough is 
excessive, give Camphor, 2 drachms, and Chloride of Ammonia, 
2 drachms, three times a day. Steaming the head is good for the 
cough. One-half drachm doses of Quinine, three times a day, is 
valuable. If any of the lung disorders develop, treat accordingly. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN 



CRACKED HEELS OR SCRATCHES.— These are 

simply chaps and cracks around the heels and at the back of the 
pastern; corresponding to chapped hands in man. Usually they 
are simple, but sometimes stubborn, requiring time and persever- 
ance for their cure. 

Causes. — Exposure to cold, mud, snow, slush and ice-water, 
without proper care in Fall, Winter, and Spring; washing and 
not properly drying the skin; standing in dirty stables in contact 
with dung and urine; or anything that will tend to irritate the 
skin. Hairy, round-legged horses are more subject to the disease 
than light ones. 

Symptoms. — The skin is swollen in the hollow of the pastern, 
accompanied with transverse cracks; sometimes there are numerous 
small ones, again fewer large ones. When dry, they will be hot, 
sore to touch, and painful. When the rear limbs are affected, 
sometimes the bending will cause the horse to raise the feet a 
couple of feet high at first, but with exercise, the soreness partially 
disappears. 



204 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Remove the cause if possible. If there is much heat and 
inflammation, give a laxative of 5 drachms of Aloes, or ^ pound 
of Glauber Salts, and follow with a teaspoonful of Saltpeter three 
times a day. If horse has been overfed with grain, reduce same, 
or replace with bran mashes. Flaxseed and other laxative food. 
If debilitated, give nutritious food and a good tonic. When horse 
comes in, wipe off parts as clean as possible and apply White 

IvOtion: 

Acetate of Lead 2 ounces. 

Sulphate of Zinc 1% " 

Carbolic Acid i ounce. 

Water i quart. 

Shake. 

One-half the water in the lotion can be replaced with Witch 
Hazel to good advantage. If the part is highly inflamed, foment 
and poultice a portion of the time. If cracks get dry, apply a 
little melted lard. 

The front of the hocks and the back of the knees are some- 
times affected with a condition similar to "Scratches." and while 
these conditions receive different names, the treatment is exactly 
as for "Scratches." 

GREASE HEEL. — This is a name given to a disease 
which affects the back of the fetlock and the part immediately 
above. It is inflammation of the skin involving the oil glands; 
generally confined to the long hair known as the "Feather." 
The name is given on account of the discharge, which is profuse 
and greasy in appearance, and has a very offensive smell. 

Causes. — Scratches when neglected may run into grease heel; 
filth is also an exciting cause; high feeding with light exercise is 
a predisposing cause. Generally confined to the draft horse, and 
to those having a tendency to the thick, round legs. 

Symptoms. — The affected leg is swollen at the fetlock; if the 
part is handled it is found to be hot and sore, the animal picking 
the limb up very high. In severe cases there will be elevation 
of the temperature and accelerated pulse. After a day or two 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 205 

there is an offensive, oily discharge from the part. In the more 
severe cases the animal is lame. If the horse is moved much 
there will form large transverse cracks above the fetlock, in 
which "proud flesh" is apt to develop, called "grapes." The 
part itches more or less. Sometimes in mild cases there is little 
more than a scurfy condition of the skin, with the dropping of 
some of the long hair. The disease is apt to leave scars and an 
enlarged leg unless properly treated. 

Treatment. — 

Give a dose of Aloes — 8 drachms — and feed on soft feed for 
a few days. Also give i teaspoonful of Saltpeter and ^ tea- 
spoonful of Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed three times a day. 
Locally apply hot fomentations to the leg during the day, and 
poultice at night. Use Carbolic Acid water for making the 
poultice, and put some charcoal in it. Bathe the part well two 
or three times a day with the following: 

Acetate of Lead 2 ounces. 

Sulphate of Zinc lYz " 

Witch Hazel i pint. 

Water i " 

If the proud flesh starts, destroy by dusting onto it burned 
Alum or Sulphate of Zinc. If the part gets dry, grease well 
with melted lard. After the inflammation subsides, if some of 
the swelling still remains, exercise the horse to take it down, and 
then handrub and apply a thick cold bandage, applying fresh 
water every half hour. Exercise twice a day. Enlargements 
that have existed for some time cannot be removed. During 
the acute stage of the disease keep the horse quiet, as moving 
causes the part to crack more. 

MUD FEVER.— This is inflammation in the skin of the 
legs, from the feet to the knees and the hocks. The skin is 
covered with scabs as though blistered, and when they come off 
the hair usually comes off with them, leaving the legs bare. 

Cause. — Chilling of the skin by standing or working in cold 
mud and ice-water. The skin becomes thoroughly chilled, almost 
like frost-bitten, and when .warmed the reaction is so great as to 



2o6 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 



produce much inflammation, which leads to the conditions spoken 
of above, and sometimes to boils or furuncles. It is most com- 
mon on limestone roads, the soil being irritating. The condition 
of the animal is a predisposing cause. 

Symptoms. — There is swelling of the legs. After exposure 
for a day or more to cold, wet mud, or ice-water, they will be 
found very hot and sore the next morning. In a few days the 
hair will be filled with scabs that cling tightly to the skin, which 
after a few days more, will loosen and come off, bringing the hair 
with them, and leave the legs entirely bare in some instances. 
There is usually more or less general fever, with rheumatic ten- 
dency. There is a stiffness when the animal is moved. 

Treatment. — 

If a severe case, leave the animal in the barn for a few days. 
Foment the legs by putting a heavy bandage around them and 
keeping it wet with hot water; re-apply water every half hour. 
Bathe two or three times a day with lotion as for "Grease Heel." 
Give the same internal treatment as for "Grease Heel." This is 
very important. When the inflammation subsides and the swel- 
ling commences to go out, keep greased well with melted lard. 
If animal is unthrifty, follow with tonics as for "Chronic Indi- 
gestion." 

ECZEMA. — This disease is sometimes confused with mange, 
but the nature is quite different, as mange is caused by a parasite 
working in the skin, while eczema is not, it being a congestion of 
the skin, with a thick crop of little blisters, formed by effusions 
of a straw-colored fluid between the true skin and the cuticle, or 
outer layer. 

Causes. — Indigestion, and the presence of irritant matter in 
the blood and sweat; high feeding with light exercise. The 
excitement in the skin, caused by the shedding of the coat, lack 
of grooming, hot weather, hot, boiled, or steamed foods, are 
conducive to the eruption. Lastly, any change of food may 
cause it. 

Sytnptoms. — First, there is a drjmess of the skin on the lower 
part of the limbs, around the head, neck, on the back and hips; 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 207 

then little pimples form, varying in size from a millet seed to 
that of a pea, which break and allow the escape of a fluid, which 
forms as a slightly yellowish scab or crust around the roots of 
the hairs. When the scabs are removed a little of the hair comes 
with them. It is apt to create much itching. 

Treatment. — 

This disease is so often the result of indigestion that a 
laxative should be given — ^ pound of Epsom Salts in three or 
four quarts of water, or i quart of raw Linseed Oil, or, if the 
animal is fat, give an ounce of Aloes. Feed very lightly on 
laxative food, bran, scalded oats, roots, and a little hay. Also 
give a teaspoonful of Saltpeter, and a half teaspoonful of Fluid 
Extract of Colchicum Seed three times a day. Keep the bowels 
active by repeated doses of oil, if necessary. After continuing 
the treatment for a week, put the animal on the tonics, as for 
"Chronic Indigestion." Treatment may have to be continued 
for some time. Drachm doses of Sulphur two or three times a 
day are beneficial. 

As a wash to stop the itching, use cooking Soda, i to 2 
ounces; water, i quart; or Salt, i handful; water, i gallon; or 
Sulphuric Acid, i drachm; water, i pint. As scabs form, soften 
and remove them, and apply a little Carbolic Acid solution. 

NETTLE-RASH — SURFEIT— URTICARIA.- This 

is an eruption in the skin in the form of nodules or lumps, in size 
from a hazel nut to that of a hickory nut, with little disposition 
to the formation of either blister or pustule. It is an effort on 
the part of nature to throw off some impurities of the blood. The 
body gets fat, the blood rich, liver and kidneys become inactive, 
and the skin takes on too large a contract. It is most common 
in the spring, and among good feeders. 

Causes. — Are shedding of coat; changes of weather; unwhole- 
someness or sudden changes in the food. Too high feeding, 
especially with com. 

Symptoms. — Generally comes on when animal is warmed up. 
There is swelling that embraces the entire thickness of the skin, 
and terminates by an abrupt margin, in place of shading off into 



2o8 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

surrounding parts. When the swellings run together, they form 
large patches of thickened skin. These may appear on any part 
of the body, most common on neck, shoulders and sides; the eye- 
lids may be closed; lips immovable, or nostrils so thickened that 
breathing is difficult, and snufHing; there may be constipation, 
or diarrhea, or colicky pains. Eruption is sudden, the whole 
skin being covered in a few hours, and it may disappear as quickly, 
or persist for six to eight days. 

Treatment. — 

Clear the bowels by an 8-drachm dose of Barbadoes Aloes, or 
by yi pound of Epsom Salts, and follow the operation with daily 
doses of % pint of raw Einseed Oil, and an ounce or two of 
Epsom Salts. Follow v^^ith the same treatment as for "Eczema." 

WARTS. — Warts are thickenings, or growths of the skin. 
They are mostly seen in young horses, about the lips, eyelids, 
cheeks, ears, beneath the belly, and on the sheath, but may 
appear anywhere. 

Treatment. — 

The smaller ones may be cut off with scissors and the raw 
spot cauterized with a little Lunar Caustic, The larger ones may 
be cut off with a sharp knife, or if with a narrow neck, they may 
be twisted off and the wound cauterized. Another way is to 
strangle them by a cord tied around the neck, at least three turns 
being made around, and the ends fixed by passing them beneath 
the last preceding turn of cord, so that they can be tightened daily, 
as they slack by shrinking of the tissues. If neck is too broad, 
they may be transfixed by a double-threaded needle and then 
tied in sections. Very broad warts that cannot be treated in this 
way, best be removed by applying a caustic. Strong Acetic Acid 
is as good as anything. Moisten the wart freely with the acid, 
which will kill the outer portion and after a few days the scab 
can be removed; apply the acid again and another layer is 
destroyed. In this manner the entire wart can eventually be 
removed. 

MELANOSIS — BLACK PIGMENT TUMORS. - 

These are common in gray or white horses, on the naturally black 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 209 

parts of the skin, at the roots of the tail, around the anus, vulva, 
udder, sheath, eyelids, and lips. They may also form in the 
lungs, liver, and the muscular tissues, but these latter are not 
discoverable during life. They may appear as pea-like masses, 
or as multiple tumors, aggregating many pounds, especially 
around the tail. 

Causes. — Unknown. 

Symptoms. — Are the presence of black tumors that form under 
the skin but show through quite distinctly. Usually flat and 
irregularly round, varying greatly in size as above stated. Nasty^ 
disagreeable sores often form around them. They commence to 
appear as animal commences to get whiter; are made up of the 
coloring matter of the skin. 

Treatment. — 

As long as they do not interfere with animal, the best way, 
perhaps, is to let them alone. Some, however, recommend to cut 
them out when they first make their appearance, as it can then 
be done with perfect safety. Monsell's Solution of Iron can be 
used to prevent bleeding. Sometimes they may be corded the 
same as directed to remove warts. If sores form, clean them out 
and dress with the Carbolic Acid lotion as for "Abscesses." Use 
Tincture of Iodine in the sores. Sometimes the tumors develop 
rapidly and render the animal of little value in the course of three 
or four years, and again they will grow very slowly, never caus- » 
ing any serious inconvenience. 

MANGE. — This is a disease that is due to a class of insects 
called mites, of which there are three kinds that trouble the 
horse. One of them burrows in the deeper layers and cracks of 
the skin, while the others live on the surface under the scabs, 
where, of course, they are more easily got at than the former, and 
hence less difiicult to treat. Mange is contagious by actual 
contact. 

Syynptoms. — There is incessant, intolerable, and increasing 
itching of some part of the skin — head, tail, back, etc. — the horse 



2IO THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

inclining himself toward the hand that scratches him, and mov- 
ing his lips, as if himself scratching. The hairs may be broken 
and rubbed off, and some come out, but the part is never bald, as 
in ringworm. Scabs of any thickness may form, but the special 
features are the intense itching, and the discovery of the mites. 
In fields, posts, trees, and fences will show the industry in 
scratching of the horse that has the disease, and as the mites pos- 
sess considerable vitality, other horses, by contact, may contract 
the disease sometime after. To detect the mites, scrape off some 
of the scales and examine with a small magnifying gjass. 

Treatment. — 

Remove scabs with soap-suds, using a brush if necessary. 
Then apply thoroughly a wash, made by boiling i ounce of 
tobacco, and i ounce of Sulphur, in i quart of water. This may 
be applied more than once, and should always be repeated after 
ten to twelve days, to destroy new brood that may have hatched 
in the interval. All harness, and stable utensils should be treated 
the same; blankets may be boiled, and the stalls treated with a 
whitewash of quicklime, containing J^ pound of Chloride of 
Lime to the gallon. 

Solutions of various coal tar products on the market are 
good, as Zenoleum, Kreso, etc. Use i part to 30 parts of water. 
The same applications as are used for "Scab" in sheep will be 
effectual with the horse. If animal is unthrifty, follow treat- 
ment with the digestive tonic. See "Chronic Indigestion." 

RING-WORM. — This is a fungus, vegetable, parasite, 
being especially common in young horses coming into training 
and work; in low-conditioned colts in winter and spring after 
confinement indoors, and during the shedding of the coat. 
Horses of lymphatic temperament are more subject to it than 
. nervous ones. 

Causes. — Contagion is the direct cause usually, but it some- 
times seems to arise spontaneously from horses being poorly 
kept, and from filth. 

Symptoms. — There is a formation of a circular, scurvy patch, 
where the fungus has established itself, the hairs of the affected 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 211 

spot being erect, bristly, twisted, broken, or split up and dropping 
off. Later the spot first affected becomes entirely bald, and a 
circular row of hairs around this are bristly, broken, and split. 
These in turn are shed and a new row outside passes through the 
same process, so that extension is made in a more or less circular 
form. The central bald spot, covered with a grayish scurf and 
surrounded by a circle of broken and split hairs, is characteristic. 
There is another kind of ring- worm called "favus, or 
honeycomb" ring- worm. It shows the same general appearance 
as the other, except that a scab forms in the center after the 
ring has receded. Treatment is the same. 

Treatment. — 

Clip off the hair around the affected part and paint with 
Tincture of Iodine twice a day for two weeks, or apply crude 
petroleum in the same way. Or, wash with soap and water and 

apply: 

Corrosive Sublimate 20 grains. 

Water i pint. 

3lix. 

Repeat once a day until cured. Clean and whitewash stalls, 
wash harness, and then apply a solution of Carbolic Acid. 
Brushes and horse clothing must also be thoroughly cleansed by 
Carbolic Acid solution, or by boiling. 

HIDE-BOUND.— This is not a disease of itself, but rather an 
effect of some derangement of the system that interferes with the 
general health and gives rise to a generally unthrifty condition. 

Causes. — Indigestion, which in turn may be caused by any of 
the causes which produce it. 

Symptoms. — The skin is as tight on the body as a glove is on 
the hand, and the hair all stands the wrong way — a staring coat, 
as it is termed. Horse is usually thin; hair is dry, and skin is 
harsh and dirty. 

Treatment. — 

Give the digestive tonics as for "Chronic Indigestion." Give 
better caie and feed. If from "Worms," treat accordingly. Give a 
'Un at grass if in season. Case may require prolonged treatment. 



212 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

ITCHY SKIN— PRURIGO.-This is an itchy condition 
of the skin, all over the body or in patches, that sometimes almost 
makes a horse frantic. He rubs, scratches, and bites himself 
continually. 

Causes. — It is one form of surfeit, and is caused by a sur- 
feited, heated condition of the body that manifests itself in that 
way; an extreme sensitiveness of the nerves of the skin. 

Treatment. — 

Give the same treatment as for "Eczema," including the 
purgative and other internal treatment, and the washes. 

If the other lotion fails, prepare the following: 

Carbonate of Potash 2 drachms. 

Cyanide of Potash 2 grains. 

Water i quart. 

Mix. Apply once daily. 

Or, put an ounce of Fluid Extract of Belladonna or 2 ounces of 
Laudanum in a quart of water and wash the itchy parts. 

ITCHY TAIL.— This is an itchy condition of the tail at its 
origin or dock. 

Causes. — Filth, surfeit, worms in the rectum, or some other 
parasitic disease. 

Symptoms. — Horse continually rubs his tail against posts, 
fences, or anything that he can reach. 

Treatment. — 

Wash the tail well with soap and water once a day, and at 
each washing, saturate the hair with a strong solution of salt and 
water, or with cooking Soda and water. If that does not cure, 
give injections of salt and water, and apply the following lotion 
to the tail three times daily: 

Sugar of Lead i ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Mix. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 213 

If this does not cure, give a purgative of Aloes, or Salts, and 

apply: 

Tannic Acid %, ounce. 

Vinegar i ounce. 

Water i quart. 

Mix and apply three times daily. 

If worms are the cause, treat internally, as for "Worms," 
and also inject into the rectum: 

Sulphate of Iron i ounce. 

Water 2 quarts. 

Repeat once a day for a few days, 

If unthrifty, give digestive tonics, as in "Chronic Indiges- 
tion." 

LICE. — Two kinds of lice attack the horse, the skin-perfor- 
ating and blood-sucking kind, and the broad-headed kind with 
strong mandibles, that only bites the skin. 

Symptoms. — Poor condition ; itching ; loss of hair are the 
principal symptoms. Examination and the finding of the lice is 
the positive one. 

Treatment. — 

Washing the horse with any of the Coal Tar products, as 
Zenoleum, Kreso, etc., using i part of the product to 50 parts of 
water, is effectual. Creolin Lotion, made by mixing i ounce of 
Creolin with i quart of water, and used as a wash, is recommended; 
or sponge the horse with an infusion made by steeping for two 
hours I pound of tobacco in 6 gallons of water. Kerosene Emul- 
sion is also good. This is made by taking i quart of Kerosene 
Oil, I quart of soft water, and i pound of soap; dissolve the soap 
in the water and heat to boiling, remove from the stove and add 
the oil; mix violently by pumping with a force pump from one 
pail into another. When well mixed it will form a thick, milky- 
colored fluid with no particles of free oil. Then add 12 quarts 
more water, mix a little and it is ready for use. Bathe the horse 
with the mixttne; also go over the harness and the stall. 

BOILS — FURUNCLES. — These may appear on any part 
of the skin, but are especially common on the lower part of the 



214 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

limbs, and on the shoulders and back. When about the feet the 
latter name is applied. 

Causes. — May be constitutional; by irritation of the skin by 
parts of harness; or is attendant on unwholesome diet and over- 
work, with loss of general health and condition. May follow 
weakening diseases, such as strangles or distemper. When about 
the feet, filth acts as an exciting cause. 

Symptoms. — Boils differ from simple pimples, which are indi- 
vidual elevations on the inflamed skin, in that they affect the 
deepest layers of the true skin, and even layers beneath, and in 
the death and sloughing out of the central part of the inflamed 
mass. Again, the depth of the hard, indurated swelling, and the 
formation of the core, which is bathed in pus and slowly sepa- 
rated from surrounding parts, serve to distinguish the boil from 
the pustule or pimple, from the farcy bud, and from the super- 
ficial abscess. 

Treatment. — 

The incision of very painful boils by a sharp knife or lancet 
in two directions, followed by a dressing with ^ ounce of Car- 
bolic Acid in a pint of water, bound with cotton wool or lint, 
may cut them short. Or, apply warm poultices of I^inseed meal 
or wheat bran, and renew daily until the center of the boil 
softens, when it should be lanced and the core pressed out. Con- 
tinue poulticing for two or three days and dress with a Carbolic 
Acid solution. Remove the cause; if poor condition of the sys- 
tem, give tonics. If animal is in good condition, give purgative 
(an ounce of Aloes, or ^ pound of Epsom Salts), and follow with 
smaller doses at intervals of two or three days. Also give a tea- 
spoonful of Saltpeter, and ^ teaspoonful of Fluid Extract of 
Colchicum Seed, three times a day for a week or two; withhold 
a week and give again, if necessary; ^ -ounce doses of Fowler's 
solution of Arsenic twice a day is excellent. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 215 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND OF THE 
NERVOUS SYSTEM 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN— PHRENITIS 
—ENCEPHALITIS— MENINGITIS.— This is an inflamma- 
tion of the brain and its coverings. 

Causes. — Exposure to heat, injuries to the brain from concus- 
sion, and from fracture of the cranium, and sometimes as the 
sequel of other diseases. 

Symptoms. — These will vary at the outset, depending as to 
whether the brain itself or the coverings are more affected. If in 
coverings, there is a quick pulse, quick breathing, elevated tem- 
perature; visible mucous membranes are very red; delirium, horse 
sometimes being perfectly frantic, dangerous to be around. After 
a little the symptoms change and we get stupidity; horse places 
his head against the wall and pushes and braces himself against 
it, bruising his head more or less; he will eat occasionally, and 
then doze off into a fit of stupor with his mouth full and let the 
food drop; when aroused he will move around with an unsteady 
gait, put his head against the wall and then doze off again. The 
pulse is now slower than normal, and the breathing is heavy and 
slow. These symptoms may continue for several days and the 
animal gradually recovers, or he may die during the early symp- 
toms. Animals that do recover are likely to have recurrence of 
attack. Young horses are more likely to have the disease than 
older ones. 

Treatm-ent. — 

It is dangerous in treating an animal during the delirious 
stage of this disease, and one must use care in going around him. 
If discovered at the first stage, and it is possible to give the ani- 
mal medicine, give a physic — i ounce of Aloes, or 5^ of a pound 
of Epsom Salts. Also, during the stage of excitement, give ^- 
ounce doses of Bromide of Potash in a little water; repeat every 



2i6 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

two or three hours until quieter, and stop giving when he becomes 
stupid. Also give the following: 

Fluid Extract Aconite 1% drachm. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i ounce. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 1 ounces, given four times a day. 

After the stupor commences, change to the following: 
Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed..... Yi ounce. 

Fluid Extract Digitalis >^ ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna ,.. Yz ounce. 

Alcohol 8 ounces. 

Saltpeter 2 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces, four times a day. 

In giving, be careful not to choke the animal ; if very 
stupid give one-half the dose twice as often. Apply an ice poultice 
to the top of the head during the entire course of the disease. To 
make the poultice, pound up some ice fine, mix with a little bran, 
put in a small bag and fasten on top of the head; cover with a 
light blanket and change as often as the ice melts. Give the 
horse all the water he wishes; and a light, laxative diet, if he 
wishes food. Keep in a roomy, cool, dark stall. If he gets 
down, help him up after he has been down a time. Continue 
treatment until thoroughly recovered. Guard against over- 
heating the animal after an attack of this disease. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN, SPINAL CORD, 
AND THEIR COVERINGS — CEREBRO-SPINAL- 
MENINGITIS. — This may occur sporadically, but usually it 
occurs as an epidemic in a stable, city or farming district. 

Causes. — The cause is not well known, but it is supposed 
that bad sanitary surroundings and musty feed may act as a cause; 
and bacteria may at times play a part in causing the disease. 

Symptoms. — They vary according to parts most affected. 
There will be trembling noticed in different parts of the body; 
animal seems very dull and does not feed. As the disease goes 
on, there will be a peculiar jerking in the limbs, and then he will 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 217 

stagger, fall, and be unable to rise; the pulse will be quick and 
weak; the bowels usually costive, and the urine a dark brown 
color. At first he lies in a dull, stupid manner, breathing heavy, 
and sweats freely if it is very warm. After a time the dullness 
passes off and the horse becomes delirious. Will thrash about, 
keep the limbs going, especially the front ones, and pound the 
head in endeavoring to get up. If you offer him water to drink, 
he will try, but cannot, as there is paralysis of the gullet. These 
symptoms gradually grow worse until he dies. When one horse 
is affected with this disease, there are apt to be more, for the 
same cause which gave it to him will probably produce it in the 
others 

Treatment. — 

Give a cathartic of i ounce of Aloes; and give i to 2 drachms 
of Fluid Extract of Belladonna, alternated every three hours 
with 10 drops Fluid Extract of Aconite Root. Apply strong lini- 
ments or a Mustard paste to spine, neck, and throat. When the 
animal is unable to swallow, give one-half the dose on the tongue 
every hour. If animal can swallow during stage of excitement, 
give Yi ounce of Bromide of Potash every three or four hours. 
During early stage, while animal is still able to swallow, give 2 
ounces Sweet Spirits of Niter, three times a day. Apply an ice 
poultice to the head as in previous disorder. The disease is very 
apt to terminate fatally. As a preventive to the other horses, 
determine cause and remove it. 

CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN.— 

Causes. — This is generally caused by the animal falling over 
backward and striking the back of his head, or perhaps falling 
forward and striking on his nose; by throwing the head up and 
striking against a beam, or by a blow on the head in some way. 

Symptcnns. — There is giddiness, stupor, insensibility, or loss 
of power succeeding a severe blow on the cranium. Animal 
may rally soon, or not for hours, but when slight, soon recovers. 
If more severe, animal may be insensible and lay as in deep sleep; 
the pupils insensible to light, pulse fluttering or feeble, surface 
of body cold, muscles relaxed, and breathing scarcely perceptible. 



2i8 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

After a variable interval, recovery takes place, which ma}^ be 
followed by paralysis of some parts of the body, often of a limb, 
the lips, ear, etc. Convalescence is usually tedious, and fre- 
quently impairment of some part remains. 

Treatment. — 

Dash cold water on the head and body to arouse heart action. 
Allow animal to inhale Ammonia vapor. Give frequent injections, 
by the rectum, of weak Ammonia water, Ginger tea, or Oil and 
Turpentine. In most cases these means will restore senses. In 
more severe cases apply Mustard plaster along the spine. When 
partly conscious give Whiskey in 3 or 4-ounce doses. Owing to 
severity of injury, or possible rupture of blood vessels, and 
effusion, inflammation of the brain may ensue, and, if so, must be 
treated accordingly. For this reason stimulants must not be 
given too freely, and must be stopped as soon as reaction is 
restored. As a preventive against inflammation, cold applica- 
tions can be made to th'e head for a few days; a physic in the 
form of ^ pound of Epsom Salts may be given, and also a 
teaspoonful of Saltpeter three times a day. 

VERTIGO— CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN.— This 

is an accumulation of blood in the vessels of the brain. It may 
be either passive or active — active when there is an undue rush 
of blood to the head, or passive when the blood accumulates be- 
cause of some resistance to its return through the veins. 

Causes — Active congestion may be due to heart trouble, 
excessive exertion, influence of extreme heat, sudden and great 
excitement, artificial stimulants, etc. Passive may be caused by 
mechanical obstruction to return of blood, such as a small or ill- 
fitting collar, tumors or abscesses pressing on the vein, or an 
organic heart trouble. Extremely fat animals are most subject 
to this disease. Sometimes induced by digestive disorders. 

Symptoms. — The animal stops suddenly, throws up his head, 
shivers all over, staggers, and may plunge, run a ways and fall, 
or may fall almost immediately. The eyes are staring, breath 
hurried and snoring, and nostrils dilated. He may stand with 
legs braced and not fall, and after a few minutes, shake himself 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 219 

and go on as though nothing had occurred. Again, he may be 
giddy and weak for several days. If due to organic changes in 
the heart, or disease of the blood vessels of the brain, then the 
symptoms may be of slow development, and show drowsiness, dim 
or imperfect sight, difficulty of movement, loss of feeling and 
consciousness, stupor and death. 

Treatment. — 

If animal falls, loosen the collar if it is the cause, and then 
dash cold water on the head. The congestion will be relieved in 
a short time and consciousness will return. Endeavor to deter- 
mine cause and remove it, to prevent a recurrence. Some animals 
are subject to attacks, which cannot be prevented. If the animal 
is violent during the attacks he should be destroyed, as he is 
dangerous. If the attacks are infrequent and animal is not 
violent, he may be used with safety, but should be watched care- 
fully and stopped as soon as attack commences. 

APOPLEXY. — Apoplexy is often confounded with cerebral 
congestion, but true apoplexy always consists in rupture of blood 
vessels, with effusion and formation of blood clot. 

Causes. — Two kinds of causes are involved in the production 
of apoplexy — the predisposing, and the exciting. Predisposing 
causes are those that cause a degeneration, or disease that weakens 
the blood vessels; the exciting ones are any that tend to induce 
cerebral congestion. 

Symptmns. — There is insensibility; the horse staggers and 
falls; he froths at the mouth; the muscles twitch; the breathing is 
stertorous and difficult. The heart's action is little disturbed at 
first, but becomes slower, then quicker and feebler, and after a 
little ceases. The extent of paralysis depends upon location 
within the brain, which is functionally deranged by the pressure 
of blood clot. 

Treatment. — 

Place the animal in a quiet, cool place, and avoid all stimu- 
lating food. Give, in his drinking water, or in the feed, i 
drachm of Iodide of Potash twice daily for a week. Cold 



220 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

applications to the head, as in "Inflammation of the Brain," may- 
be of value. Generally terminates fatally, or renders animal 
useless. 

PARALYSIS— PALSY.— Paralysis is a weakness or ces- 
sation of the power of motion and of feeling. There are two 
kinds — that in which both motion and feeling are affected, and 
the other in which only one or the other is lost or diminished. 
Paralysis may be general or partial. 

Causes. — They are varied. Acute affections of the brain and 
spinal cord may lead to paralysis. Injuries, tumors, and disease 
of the blood vessels of the brain, all have a tendency in that 
direction. Pressure upon, or the cutting in two of a nerve, causes 
a paralysis of the parts to which such a nerve is distributed- 
Apoplexy may be termed a general paralysis, and in non-fatal 
attacks is a frequent cause of the various forms of palsy. 

Sy77iptoms. — If the paralysis is on one side only, the animal 
cannot walk straight, but goes round in a circle, and has not 
the proper use of that side. If in the hind quarters, the horse 
can raise himself forward, but is powerless in the hind parts. 
Prick him with a pin anywhere back of the injury and there is 
no sensation. If in the face and neck, the part will be twisted 
off toward the well side, and the diseased part will have no feel- 
ing. If general, and he cannot move at all, he soon dies. 

Treatment. — 

If horse can stand at all, put him in slings. Clip the 
hair close and apply a Spanish fly blister. See "To Blister," 
under "Ringbone." Apply the blister from the seat of the injury 
back to the croup. If it is paralysis of the face and neck, apply 
the blister at the base of the brain, over the poll. The applica- 
tion of Mustard pastes or strong liniments to the affected parts 
are recommended in place of the blister. Give internally, ij^ 
drachms of Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica, three times a day. If 
there is twitching of the muscles, reduce the dose. 

SUNSTROKE; HEAT EXHAUSTION.— This term 
is applied to affections occasioned not exclusively by exposure to 
the sun's rays, as the word signifies, but by the action of great 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 221 

heat combined generally with other causes, such as sultriness of 
the atmosphere and an unusual accumulation of electricity. 

Causes. — Exposure to direct rays of the sun; exhaustion pro- 
duced by long-continued heat and over- work; lack of proper care 
in watering, in allowing rest in shady places, and in proper feed, 
also contribute to the disease. 

5}'?;z/'/(9;«5.— Sunstroke manifests itself suddenly. Animal 
stops, drops his head, begins to stagger, and soon falls uncon- 
scious. The breathing is stertorous or snoring, pulse slow and 
irregular, cold sweats break out in patches on surface of body, 
and horse often dies without recovering his senses again. 

In heat exhaustion, animal may become dull, and requires 
urging sometime before any marked symptoms; generally perspi- 
ration is checked, and then he becomes weak in gait, breath 
hurried or panting, ej^es watery and bloodshot, nostrils dilated 
and highly reddened, assuming a dark purple color, pulse rapid 
and weak, the heart bounding, followed by unconsciousness and 
death. If recovery takes place, convalescence is slow. 

Treatment. — 

Shade the horse and roll him upon his chest and keep him 
there. Apply ice or very cold water to the head and along the 
spine, and give him a good stimulant — 2 ounces of Alcohol or 4 
ounces of Whiskey in a ^ pint of water. Be cautious about 
choking; injection, by the rectum, of moderately strong Ginger 
tea, or weak Ammonia water, may be of benefit. Brisk friction 
of the limbs, and the application of Spirits of Camphor is good. 
Repeat the stimulants in one-half hour, and after that every hour 
or two, if pulse has not grown stronger and slower. Sponge the 
body with cold water and then give brisk rubbing. 

For heat exhaustion give same treatment. In either case 
loosen all tight straps. Convalescence will take place slowly and 
the animal will need to be kept where it is cool for a number of 
days. If fat, give a 5^-pound dose of Epsom Salts; also a tea- 
spoonful of Saltpetre three times a day. If run down, give tonics, 
as for "Chronic Indigestion." Give time for thorough recovery 
before putting to work again. 



222 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

In hot weather, wet sponges or light sun-shades on the head 
of the horse when at work, is a preventive. An animal that has 
suffered an attack is more liable to subsequent ones, when ex- 
posed to the necessary, exciting causes. 

EPILEPSY— FALLING FITS.— 

Causes .—Seldom due to any changes in the brain, although 
it may come from softening of that organ; violent derangement of 
the nervous system; constipation; worms; plethora; or it may 
arise from injuries about the head. 

Symptoms. — There are no premonitory symptoms. The 
animal suddenly staggers, the muscles become cramped, jaws 
spasmodically opened and closed; the tongue is lacerated by the 
teeth; he foams at the mouth and falls in a spasm. The urine 
passes away involuntarily, and breathing may be arrested. The 
paroxysm soon passes off, and horse gets on his feet in a few 
minutes after the return of consciousness. Not a common dis- 
ease with the horse. 

Treatment. — 

Dash cold water on the head during the paroxysm. After 
recovery, endeavor to find the cause and remove it; if from diges- 
tive disorders treat accordingly. In most cases a good purgative 
will not be out of place — i ounce of Aloes. If due to nervous 
derangement, give i drachm Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica and 
Yz ounce Fowler's Solution of Arsenic two or three times a day. 
Feed on an easily-digested, laxative diet. 

ELECTRIC SHOCK.— This may occur from a stroke of 
lightning, or from coming in contact with electric wires that have 
been broken. Electric railways and street lighting plants are 
now so common that it is not an uncommon occurrence for horses 
to be shocked. 

Symptoms. — In shocks which are not immediately fatal the 
animal is usually insensible, the respiration slow, feeble, and 
irregular, and pupils of the eyes dilated and not sensitive. The 
temperature is lowered. There may be a tendency to convulsions 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 223 

or spasms. The predominating symptoms are the extreme 
depression of the action of the heart, and of the respiratory 
organs. 

Treatment — 

Sulphate of Atropia ^ grain, or Strychnine i grain, in a 
very little water, should be given on the tongue, and repeated in 
an hour, and after that repeat once in two hours until the heart- 
beats are invigorated, the number and fullness of the respirations 
are increased, and consciousness returns. Stimulative injec- 
tions, by the rectum, may be useful in arousing the circulation-, 
for this purpose Whiskey in doses of Y2 pint in a pint of water, 
or Ammonia water in doses of 2 or 3 ounces in a pint of water, 
may be used. Inhalations of Ammonia fumes are also of value. 
Rub the legs. 

COMA — SLEEPY S TAG GER S — CHRONIC 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.— Coma is not a disease, 
but merely a symptom of a variety of affections of the brain. We 
sometimes have a type of coma in horses that cannot be attributed 
to any special disease of the brain, unless it be a chronic inflam- 
mation of the organ. This condition is commonly called "Sleepy 
Staggers," or the animal is called a "dummy." 

Symptoms. — ' ' Sleepy Staggers ' ' is characterized by drowsi- 
ness, partial insensibility, sluggish and often staggering gait. 
Horse may drop his head in the manger and go to sleep with a 
clump of hay in his mouth, which is dropped when he wakens. 
Will stand for a long time with his legs in awkward positions. 
The bowels are more or less costive; the pulse is slow and soft; 
with no fever or pain. Animal may remain in this way for 
months without much change, or he may become gradually worse, 
until it is almost impossible to arouse him. Chronic cases are 
better in winter than in summer 

Treatment.— 

There is no treatment for long-standing cases. The horse 
may as well be killed. In more recent cases give laxative foods; 



224 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

also I drachm Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica, three times a day. 
In addition give the following: 

Iodide of Potash i^ ounces. 

Water i pint. 

Dose : i ounce, morning and night. Give 
for a week, discontinue a week and then give 
again . 

Strong stimulating liniments maybe applied to the top of the 
head. 

CHOREA. — This disease is marked by involuntary contrac- 
tions of the voluntary muscles, especially of the hind limbs. 
Nervous horses are more subject to the trouble than sluggish 
ones. 

Ca7ises. — Are not well known, but may be due to pressure 
upon a nerve; to some injury of the spinal cord, or to some change 
in the brain, or spinal cord. 

Symptoins. — The animal will seem to be all right after once 
started, but when first spoken to, the muscles of the hind limbs 
will tremble, there will be a jerking up of the limb, and then the 
animal will start and go off all right. Shows more in backing 
than in going ahead, also shows in stepping over in the stall, or 
in making a sudden turn when in motion. Resembles "String- 
Halt," except that the jerky action is not continuous. 

Treatment. — 

Treatment is not satisfactory. One drachm of Fluid Extract 
of Nux Vomica and ^ ounce of Fowler's Solution of Arsenic 
two or three times a day may be tried for a time. Iodide of 
Potash, as in the previous disease, may also be tried. Table- 
spoonful doses, twice a day, of a mixture of equal parts of 
Saltpeter and Sulphate of Iron may help. Unless the treatment 
benefits, the animal is apt to grow slowly worse. 

STRING-HALT.— This is an affection of *the hind leg, 
and it is known from the peculiar way in which the hind leg or 
legs are raised from the ground — a quick, spasmodic jerk 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 225 

Causes. — There is not an entire agreement among veterinar- 
ians as to the nature of this affection, but it is quite generally 
believed to be a purely nervous one. It is more often seen in 
highly nervous animals, and may be brought on by the applica- 
tion of severe blisters to the legs; or by clipping them and leav- 
ing the horse out in the cold. Castration has been noted as a 
cause, either from the irritation of the rope on the fetlock, or 
from the operation. May develop without assignable cause. 

Symptoms. — -The leg is jerked toward the body at every step, 
sometimes so strongly as to strike the belly with the fetlock. It 
may be in one or in both legs. Sometimes it is so bad that the 
horse will stand and jerk up one foot and then the other, with no 
forward motion; but once started he will go along without hesi- 
tation. It is fatiguing and wearing, and horse seldom accumu- 
lates much flesh. Some horses show the trouble only in cold 

weather, and then only for a time after first starting. 

* 
Treatment. — 

If taken at the very outset, treatment may be of benefit, but 
when well seated, no medicinal treatment has been found that 
affects a cure. Give the same treatment as is given in "Chorea." 
An extended run in the pasture is recommended for this affec- 
tion. Sometimes the cutting of a tendon just below the hock 
will overcome the trouble; in other cases it will fail to have any 
benefit, or it may partially relieve. A veterinarian would be 
required for the operation 

LOCO DISEASE. — Loco is a disease attacking horses and 
other animals in the great plains of the west, and is caused by 
the eating of two weeds called "loco weeds," the botanical names 
of which are Astragalus Mollissimus and Oxytropis Lambertii, 
both belonging to the family of plants bearing pods. These 
plants attain a height of six to twelve inches; the leaves are 
compound, and leaves and stems covered with very fine, minute 
hairs, which give the plant a gray or silvery look. The Astrag- 
alus is found mostly in the southern part of the plains, and the 
Oxytropis predominates in the northern section. The word 
"Loco" is from the Spanish, meaning "crazy." 



226 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Loco weeds remain somewhat green throughout the winter, 
and on account of their green appearance, when other food is 
scarce, animals usually begin to eat them in winter and spring, 
and though they do not seem palatable at first, yet after a time 
they acquire such a taste for them that they will leave other food 
■to go in search for them. They will often stay by themselves 
where the weed is abundant, and may go days without water. 
They crop close to the ground, often getting a portion of the 
root. 

Syrnptojtis . — Animal falls away rapidly in flesh, after getting 
a taste for the weed, and as the difficulty advances, becomes so 
emaciated that in the last stages is unable to stand or move 
about, and unless otherwise destroyed, dies of starvation. In 
the early stages there is general sluggishness, difficult locomotion, 
stiff and stilted action of legs, with trembling of the voluntary 
muscles. If the animal lies down, and then tries to rise, several 
■efforts are needed in order to succeed, and it may even turn a 
somersault in getting on its feet. Head trembles violently, and 
the beast may hold its mouth open for a time. Usually there is 
a peculiar, vacant look in the eyes. Will sometimes start at 
familiar objects, showing signs of fear, until nature of objects 
seems to dawn on the brain. Sometimes, though suffering for 
water, seems afraid to approach for fear of falling in. A straw, 
stick, or shadow across the path of a locoed horse, may cause 
him to shy, or jump high, in order to clear an imaginary obstacle. 
If allowed to stare at obstacle, it comprehends and will usually 
pass it freely. Locoed horses are subject to fits, or "crazy 
spells." These are apt to occur when at work on hot days. 
Becomes delirious, mry rear and plunge, often falling to the 
ground unconscious, the eyes rolling in their sockets, so as to 
show the whites. Fits do not usually last long. It is generally 
believed that though a horse is broken of the loco weed habit he 
is not of much value, as the fits are likely to stay with him. 

Locoed cattle do not shed their hair good in the spring, and 
can be told by the patches of old hair that still cling in mid-sum- 
mer. As disease progresses the animal runs down and dropsical 
swellings appear on the head and legs, and other dependent parts. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 227 

Treatment. — 

It was thought for a long time that loco was caused by 
poisonous properties in the plants, but chemical analysis has 
failed to find any such, and general symptoms indicate that ani- 
mals suffer and die from starvation. The plant does not seem to 
contain enough nourishment to sustain life. Animals that show 
a tendency to eat loco plants, should be shut away from all such, 
and be fed on nutritious and easily digested food. A good tonic 
powder in addition may be given them — the mixtures recom- 
mended for "Chronic Indigestion." 

Cattle and sheep should be fattened for the market, 

HYDROPHOBIA— RABIES— This is a specific disease 
caused by an organism; most frequently seen in dogs, but may 
be communicated to all animals, including man. The virus is in 
the saliva, and the bite is the most common mode of transmitting 
the disease, although the saliva getting into any wound will pro- 
duce it. The period of incubation varies in different animals. 
In the case of the horse it is from fifteen to ninety days. 

Sympto7ns. — The first manifestations may be increased excit- 
ability and viciousness; will strike, bite, or kick, at any object 
near him; often bites his own limbs and sides. Eyes are staring 
and bloodshot, ears alert to catch sounds, and head erect. 
Sometimes horse will bite himself in location where bitten, and 
this may be first symptom. The furious symptoms appear in 
paroxysms; at other times he may eat and drink, although swal- 
lowing may become painful toward the latter stages of disease, 
and may cause renewed paroxysms. Finally hind limbs become 
paralyzed, breathing difficult, and convulsions follow; then 
death. 

Treatment. — 

There is none that is of any avail. If suspected, shut the 
horse up, so he can do no harm, and when sure of the trouble, 
kill him. 

When a horse is known to have been bitten by a mad animal, 
cut away around the wound with a sharp knife, and cauterize 



228 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

the wound with Caustic Potash or lyUnar Caustic; or, in the 
absence of these, use a red hot iron. Whatever is done must be 
done at once to be of use. 

The same preventive treatment as is used for man would 
probably be effectual. The expense, however, would perhaps 
render it impracticable in most cases. 

LOCK-JAW, OR TETANUS— This disease is charac- 
terized by spasms affecting the muscles of the face, neck, body, 
and limbs, and of all the muscles supplied by the cerebro-spinal 
nerves. It is divided into two kinds — traumatic, when cause is 
evident; idiopathic, when not. 

Causes. — The disease is caused by a specific germ. The 
organism is found in certain soils, and gains entrance into the 
body, as a general thing, through a w^ound. Sometimes disease 
develops without a detectable wound; it is then supposed to enter 
through the digestive tract. Small punctured wounds, as nail 
pricks, are most favorable, and especially if about the feet. The 
germs will not produce disease except in absence of air. 

Sy?npto)}is. — The first symptoms noticed will be difficulty in 
chewing and swallowing, and the protrusion of the haw over the 
eyeball; the nose is protruded; the neck straightened; the tail 
elevated and trembling; the legs straddle and are as stiff as the 
legs of a saw-horse; the hocks turn out and toes of hind feet tend 
to turn in; the belly is tucked up; nostrils dilated; ears erect and 
stiff; breathing is hurried; muscles hard; horse may sweat pro- 
fusely; the jaws are set and locked as disease advances. If head 
is raised, the haw is drawn completely over the eye; the tail is 
more elevated; he trembles all over, and if head is pushed a little 
farther up, he is likely to fall. Excitemant of any kind makes 
all the symptoms worse. He never lies down; cannot eat; drinks 
with great difficulty, and is in intense agony all the time. Death 
usually follows in from three to ten days. If he lives two weeks, 
may gradually recover. 

Treatment. — 

Treatment is of little avail, the majority of the cases termi- 
nating fatally. Place the animal away by himself, where it will 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 229 

be quiet, in a darkened stall. Do not let any one, except one 
person, go near him, and that one only three times a day. Keep 
thin gruel before him continually; he cannot eat, but he may sip 
a little of the gruel. If he will sip it, also give a little milk with 
eggs in it; give these fresh three times a day; also keep a pail of 
fresh water before him. In some cases the horse will be able to 
eat a little for some time after the disease appears; if so, give 
bran mash, scalded oats, and grass, if in season. The drugs used 
are those that quiet. One grain Atropine and 6 to 10 grains of 
Morphine, dissolved in a very little water, can be injected onto 
the tongue by placing a small syringe in between the front and 
back teeth. Repeat three times a day. Never try to give 
medicine from a bottle, or in any large amount. Or, in place of 
the foregoing: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 drachms, 

Bromide of Potash i ounce. 

Water */z pint, 

May be injected into the rectum three times 
daily. 

It may be well to alternate, using part of the time the 
Atropine and Morphine, and part of the time the Belladonna and 
Potash. Cannabis Indica, another quieting drug, can be used in 
2-drachm doses, along with the Belladonna and Potash. 

If the animal has a wound, open it freely, so as to admit the 
air to the very bottom, and flush out freely with a strong solution 

of: 

Carbolic Acid ^Yz ounces. 

Water 1 quart. 

Inasmuch as punctured wounds, such as nail pricks, are fre- 
quently followed by this disease, they should always be kept well 
opened to the air while healing. 

If taken at the very start of the disease, large hypodermic 
injections of Antitoxic Serum may be of value. This is the 
serum, or watery portion of the blood, of an animal that has 
been rendered immune to the disease. This treatment would 
require a veterinarian. 

Sometimes the animal can be put in a sling to advantage; at 
other times it excites and makes them worse. 



230 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



DISEASES OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM 



WEED IN THE LEG— LYMPHANGITIS- WATER 
FARCY. — This is an inflammation of the lymphatic structures, 
usually affecting the hind legs, very seldom the fore legs. It is 
sometimes called "Monday morning sickness." 

Causes. — Horses of sluggish nature are predisposed to this 
affection. It usually attacks well-fed, lightly-exercised animals, 
and in such cases is due to the excess of nutritive elements in the 
blood. Sudden changes in the work or in the habits of the 
animal may bring it on. Horses that are well fed and worked 
hard, have it from standing in the barn over Sunday. Draft 
horses are more subject to it than road horses, and those with 
round, thick legs are predisposed to it. 

Syviptoins. — It is usually ushered in by a chill, rise in tem- 
perature, and some uneasiness. In a short time this is followed 
by lameness in one leg and swelling on the inside of the thigh. 
Gradually this surrounds the limb and goes down to the feet. 
The leg is very tender to touch, especially on the inside, the horse 
throwing it away from the body. The horse sweats; breathing is 
quickened ; pulse hard, and quick, and temperature goes up to 
104° to 106° F. Bowels become costive, urine scanty; symptoms 
usually increase for two days, then remain stationary for some 
time, then fever abates, the swelling recedes and becomes less 
painful. When once attacked with this disease, the animal is 
more apt to have it again, and the result of successive attacks is 
"Big lyeg" or Elephantiasis. Quite often some of the lymphatic 
glands will suppurate and an abscess will form; this may take 
place anywhere from the body to the foot. 

Treatment. — 

Both local and internal. Locally, apply hot fomentations; 
wrap the leg from the foot to the body in a large woolen blanket, 
put a back-band and crupper on the horse and fasten blanket up to 
this. Keep the blanket as hot as the animal will stand, by pour- 
ing onto it, every fifteen to thirty minutes, hot water. Apply the 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 231 

fomentations for two or three hours at least twice a day; in bad 
cases, keep it up continuously during the day. Each time when 
the fomenting is discontinued, rub dry and apply the following 

hniment: 

Witch Hazel 2 ounces. 

Soap Liniment 3 " 

Laudanum 2 " 

Turpentine i ounce. 

Shake. Apply with liberal friction at least 
twice a day. 

If abscesses form, and not near a joint, open when they point 
and treat as "Abscesses;" if near a joint, poultice and let them 
break. 

Internally, give a purgative — i ounce of Aloes or ^ pound 
of Epsom Salts — feeding sparingly on laxative food, bran mash, 
handful of Einseed meal, little hay. Also give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Aconite 2 >^ drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed.... i ounce. 

Saltpeter 4 ounces. 

Water to make i quart. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, four times a day. 

If temperatture runs high and stays there, give: 

Acetanilid i drachm, 

Alcohol I ounce, 

Water ^ pint, 

Once or t^\nce a day, as occasion requires. 

As the disease has a great tendency to leave the leg enlarged, 
treatment should be begun early and continued vigorously'. 

After having had one attack, the animal should receive special 
care to prevent a return. Feed rather light of a grain ration of 
bran, oats, and Einseed meal, (no corn), a few roots or potatoes; 
run at grass when in season. About every third or fourth week 
give a teaspoonful of Saltpeter two or three times a day for a 
week. One-half pound doses of Epsom Salts once in two or three 
weeks are also good. 

BIG LEG — ELEPHANTIASIS.— This is a thickened 
condition of the leg from repeated attacks of lymphangitis, or 
weed in the leg. When the disease becomes seated, a complete 
cure is not possible. 



232 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Synipto77is.—^\iQ. leg is enlarged, sometimes all the way to 
the body, again only as far as the hock; the enlargement is some- 
times slight, then again, the leg will be two or three times its 
normal size. There is no lameness, but horse may carry leg a 
little stiff. 

Treatment. — . 

If the condition has existed for any great length of time, 
treatment will do no good; if recent, feed on laxative diet, grass, 
if in season, if not, clover hay, bran, oats. Linseed meal. Give 
about 4 drachms of Aloes or yi pound of Epsom Salts every third 
day, unless bowels become too loose; if so, not as often. Also give 
a teaspoonful of Saltpeter two or three times a day, skipping every 
other week. Exercise twice daily to remove all the swelling pos- 
sible, and when he comes in give liberal hand-rubbing, apply lini- 
ment as in "Lymphangitis," and then apply cold fomentations; 
wrap the leg with a blanket and keep it wet with cold water. 

SWELLING OF THE LIMBS— STOCKING.— The 

above are titles applied to a swelling of the leg, usually confined 
to the parts below the knees and hocks, although in bad cases it 
extends above these joints. 

Causes. — It is caused by sluggishness of the lymphatic glands 
and kidneys in performing their offices. Standing still is a com- 
mon cause; so much so that there is a great deal of it just from 
standing from night until morning. It is most common in badly 
drained and illy- ventilated stalales: and in young horses more 
than in old ones. A horse which has stood in the stables during 
tlie v/inter months, and then is put to hard work at once, is apt 
to show it. After resting at night, his legs will be swollen 
the next morning. It is also often a symptom of some disease. 

Sy7nptoms. — Swelling of the legs without any other sign of 
disease; the swelling disappearing with exercise, but returning 
when standing any length of time. 

Treatment. — 

The same as for "Elephantiasis." 




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DISEASES OF THE HORSE 233 



DISEASES OF THE HEART, ARTERIES 
AND BLOOD=VESSELS 



INFLAMMATION OF THE ENDOCARDIUM- 
ENDOCARDITIS. — This is an inflammation of the serous 
membrane, lining the heart. It is not a common disease, and is 
one that is hard for the inexperienced to recognize. The disease 
may not be fatal in its early stages, but from incomplete recovery 
there is a permanent thickening of the valves, which is the begin- 
ning of valvular disease. 

Causes. — It is met with in general rheumatism, involving the 
serous membrane, in some of the specific fevers, in septic poison- 
ing and in influenza. 

Symptoms. — May be ushered in by a chill, with marked rise 
of temperature; pulse decreases in strength or becomes irregular, 
while heart beats more or less tumultuously. In early stages, 
soft, blowing sounds may be heard by placing ear over heart on 
left side, which correspond in number and rythm to heart's 
action. Excessive pain is manifested when animal is compelled 
to trot; often difficulty in breathing is developed early in attack. 
When valves are involved, visible mucous membranes become 
either pale or very dark colored, and horse may faint if head is 
suddenly elevated. There may be marked lameness of the left 
shoulder, and if horse is turned to the left, he may groan wilh 
pain and the heart become violently excited, though pressure 
\\ill not produce pain, unless roughly applied. There is no appe- 
tite, and animal does not drink much. Surface of body and 
extremities are cold, and frequently body is in a subdued tremor. 
There is usually suppression of urine. Symptoms may continue 
for from three to seven days without marked changes. If he 
shows signs of improvement, they will be slow and steady until 
he seems all right, but when taken out and urged, the breathing 
may become like that in heaves, and all symptoms return in a 
modified form. 



234 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment, — 

In some respects disease of the heart is the most difficult of 
all conditions to treat. When any organ is inflamed, the treat- 
ment generally is to let that organ rest and stimulate others to do 
its work as far as possible; this cannot be done with the heart, 
and so perfect quiet is necessary, that in this way the heart may 
be relieved. Give clean, well ventilated stable and clothe warmly. 
If the animal shows any desire to eat, give grass, if in season, or 
bran, scalded oats, Linseed meal, and a little hay. 

Internally, give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna. I ounce. 

Fluid Extract Digitalis Yt " 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed }4 " 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: Two ounces, three or four 
times a daj^. 

In early stages, if heart beats rapidly and irregularly, give 
loto 15 drops Fluid Extract of Aconite, four or five times a day. 
Later, if heart gets weak, give i grain of Strychnine, in a little 
water, three or four times a day. If animal improves, give one 
ounce of the following, three times a day: 

Iodide of Potash i ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Also give the Gentian and Nux Vomica mixture as for 
' ' Chronic Indigestion . ' ' 

If there is any reason to believe that rheumatism is the 
cause, give 2-drachm doses of Salol, three times a day. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE SAC SURROUNDING 
THE HEART— PERICARDITIS.— The sac surrounding the 
heart is called the pericardium. 

Causes. — May be caused by cold or damp stabling, exposure 
and fatigue, from wounds caused by broken ribs, etc. Generally 
it is associated with an attack of influenza, rheumatism, pleuritis, 
etc. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 235 

Symptoms. — Usually there are chills, with pain in moving; a 
short, painful cough; rapid, short breathing; high temperature, 
and a rapid, hard pulse. The fever and pulse are highest in 
the evening and lowest in the morning. In early stages the 
pulse-beat is regular; later, when there is much effusion in the 
sac, the heart-beat becomes mufSed, and may be of a redoubled, 
or rebounding, character. In the early stage, when the ear is 
placed at left side of chest, behind the elbow, a rasping sound is 
heard, corresponding to frequency of heart-beat. This is called 
"to and fro friction sound." Between the second and fourth 
days this sound may disappear on account of distension of the sac, 
by liquid exuded. When effusion partly fills the pericardium, 
percussion will show an increased dullness over heart region, and 
the heart-beats become less marked than in health, and sometimes 
a splashing, or flapping, sound is heard. If effusion becomes 
absorbed, the "to and fro" sound usually recurs for a short 
time; this friction may often be felt with the hand on the side 
of chest. When the disease is associated with rheumatism, or 
influenza, some symptoms may be obscure, but careful examina- 
tion will reveal enough to diagnose the disease. Disease is 
usually fatal, especially when complicated with other disorders. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment for this disease is quite like that for "Pleu- 
risy" — the arresting of the inflammation and the absorbing of 
the serous effusion. 

Give well- ventilated stall, clothe warmly, and feed laxative 
diet. 

Internally give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Aconite lyi. drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Digitalis % ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed.... ^ " 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna — i ounce. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make I pint. 

Shake. Dose: Two ounces, four times a day. 

After three or four days, drop out the Aconite. Give 2 or 3 
ounces of Liquor Ammonia Acetatis three times a day. If heart 



236 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

gets weak, give i grain Strychnine four times a day. If animal 
improves, give i -ounce doses three times a day of: 

Iodide of Potash i ounce. 

Water i pint 

Apply a strong Mustard paste to the left side of the chest. 
During convalescence, give the tonics, as for "Chronic Indiges- 
tion." 

ENLARGEMENT OF THE HEART. — HYPER- 
TROPHY. — This disease is an enlargement of the substance of 
the heart, with or without cavity changes. It may occur in 
various forms. 

Causes. — Diseased valves of the heart; determination of 
blood to that organ; from a latent form of inflammation of 
muscular structure; or from long-continued increase of action de- 
pendent upon nervous disease. It may occur in connection with 
other chronic disorders. 

Symptoms. — In addition to the usual symptoms manifested 
in organic diseases of the heart, there is a powerful and heaving 
pulse at each beat, which is apparent on left side, and even on 
the right sometimes. These beats are regular, and when strong 
and full at the jaw, there is a tendency to active congestion of 
the capillary vessels, which frequently gives rise to local inflam- 
mation, active hemorrhage, and the like. In case of enlargement 
with dilatation, the impulse is not only powerful and heaving, 
but it is diffused over the whole heart surface, and the normal 
sounds are increased in intensity. Percussion reveals an enlarged 
area of dullness, while the impulse is usually much stronger than 
normal. Dropsy of the pericardium will give same wide space 
of dullness, but the impulse and sound are lessened. An animal 
with moderate degree of enlargement may live a number of years, 
and be capable of ordinary work; it depends on accompanying 
disease. As a rule the disease is incurable. 

Treatment. — 

If the cause can be discovered and be removed, it should be 
done. Iodide of Potash may be of use if continued for a suffi- 
cient length of time. Give it in i -drachm doses once daily for 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 237 



a month or more. General tonics, freedom from excitement, 
avoidance of bulky food, and good ventilation are indicated. 

ATROPHY OF THE HEART— WASTING OR 
SHRINKING. — This is a shrinking away of the heart sub- 
stance. The walls become soft and flabby, and fail to perform 
the work in a healthy manner. 

Symptoms. — Pulse is weak and irregular, often missing two 
or three beats at a time. There is emaciation, languor, and pallor 
of visible mucous membranes. Death is likely to occur at any 
time from formation of blood clot. 

Treatment. — 

Give good food and i drachm Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica 
three or four times a day. After two weeks, give the tonics as 
for "Chronic Indigestion." 

FATTY DEGENERATION OF THE HEART.— This 

may involve the whole organ, or be circumscribed to patches. 
When general, the substance is flabby or flaccid, and in extreme 
cases, collapses when emptied or cut. 

Causes. — It is associated with other morbid conditions of the 
heart, as obesity, dilatation, rupture, aneurism, etc. It may Vje 
connected with fatty diseases of other organs, as the liver, kid- 
neys, etc. It may be due to condition of blood in wasting dis- 
eases, or to poisoning with arsenic and phosphorus. 

Symptoms. — The most prominent symptoms are feeble action 
of the heart, a remarkably slow pulse, general debility, and 
attacks of vertigo. It may exist for a long time, but is apt to 
terminate in death on the occurrence of other diseases, surgical 
operations, etc. It may involve a liability to sudden death from 
rupture of the ventricular walls. 

Treatment. — 

Is of little use; counteract weakness, as in previous disorder; 
give regular exercise. 



238 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

PALPITATION OF THE HEART.— This is an excited 
spasmodic beating of the heart, and by some is termed "thumps," 
which term, in this book, is applied to a spasmodic action of the 
diaphragm. 

Caiises. — It may be due to indigestion, to fright, increased 
nervousness, sudden excitement, over-exertion in speeding, or 
puUing, or may follow weakening diseases. It is more likely to 
occur in hot weather. Most common cause is hard work when 
not accustomed to it. 

Sytnptoms.—T'he. heart may act with such violence that each 
beat may jar the whole body of the horse; very frequently it may 
be heard at a short distance away. The pulse will be rapid and 
tumultuous. The countenance has an anxious look, and usually 
the horse is bathed in perspiration. The nostrils are dilated, and 
breathing rapid. 

Treatment. — 

Stop and give the animal rest, blanket warmly and give 
stimulants: Two ounces of Alcohol, or 4 ounces of Whiskey, 
in a little water; repeat in half an hour, and again in one and 
one-half hours. Also give 12 drops of Fluid Extract of Aconite, 
and I drachm of Fluid Extract of Belladonna; repeat in an 
hour. After the acute symptoms have passed, give Fluid Extract 
of Digitalis, ^ drachm, three times a day for a few days, and the 
tonics as for "Chronic Indigestion." Condition for work care- 
fully. 

TUMOR (ANEURISM) OF AN ARTERY.— This is 

a diseased condition of the walls of an artery, in which the 
walls become enlarged, forming a tumor. 

Symptoms. — If the aneurism is in a superficial artery, it 
appears as a tumor in the course of the artery, and pulsating with 
it. It is round, soft, and compressible, yielding to pressure. The 
beating in unison with the heart is the characteristic symptom. 
Aneurism occurs in the abdominal and chest cavities, and creates 
obstruction and disturbance, but no characteristics can be given 
that would be of any use. They may rupture, cau.sing sudden 
death. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 239 

Treatment. — 

Nothing can be done by way of treatment, except if super- 
ficial, and located where it is possible, a gentle compress can be 
applied 

RUPTURE OF AN ARTERY.— The inflammation of 
the wall is the primary cause of rupture in most cases. It will 
cause death when it involves a large vessel, especially if it is 
situated in one of the large cavities, permitting an excessive 
escape of blood. It may arise from mechanical violence, or as a 
result of accident. 

Symptoms. — In fatal rupture with profuse bleeding, animal 
becomes weak, the visible membranes become blanched, breathing 
hurried or gasping, pupils dilated, staggering in gait, swooning, 
and death. When limited, the symptoms may not be noticeable. 
When near the surface of the body a tumor or swelling will 
form. As a secondary result of rupture of this kind, there may 
be formation of an abscess. 

Treatment. — 

When the rupture of a deep-seated artery is suspected, give 
Fluid Extract of Ergot in i -ounce doses to produce contraction 
of the blood vessels. Tannin in 2-drachm doses, or Tincture of 
Iron in i-otmce doses are also useful. The animal should be 
allowed to have as much water as he desires. Afterward give 
stimulants and nourishing food. 

INFLAMMATION OF A VEIN— PHLEBITIS.— 

Inflammation may be simple, or diffuse. If the first, it is confined 
to a limited portion; if diffuse, it involves the vein for a long 
distance. 

Causes. — Contusions, or direct injuries; an extension of inflam- 
mation from the surrounding tissue, as in abscess, tumor, or 
malignant growth. It may be due to the presence of infective 
material, gangrenous matter, etc. When blood-letting from the 
jugular vein was practiced, a case of dangerous phlebitis was 
not unusual, being brought about by using rusty, or dirty 
instruments, or from improper care afterward. Not so common 
since bleeding has become a thing of the past. 



240 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — The vein swells, gets hot, sore, red, and painful; 
the inflammation spreads to surrounding parts, and much swelling 
is a result. A diffused swelling, with great tenderness, may 
extend along the vein, and the animal will manifest all the 
symptoms as in an acute fever. The effect of this is quite often 
the obliteration of the vein, which becomes hard, filled, and 
ceases its function. In the case of the jugular vein this condition 
is serious, since the horse cannot graze, owing to the blood that 
is forced to remain in the vessels of the head and neck, causing 
congestion of those parts, they being in a pendant position 

Treatment. — 

Foment the part affected with cloths and hot water three 
times daily, and manipulate the vein to get obstruction to move 
on, if it will. If nothing results, apply a smart blister along the 
course of the inflamed vessel, early opening any abscesses that 
may form. Give the horse complete rest, and feed bran mashes 
to keep the bowels free. If fever runs high, give ^ -ounce doses 
of Nitrate of Potash in drinking water three times daily, which 
may be changed in two or three days for i -drachm doses of 
Iodide of Potash twice daily. 



GENERAL DISEASES OF THE BLOOD 



BAD BLOOD. — This is an impure condition of the blood. 

Causes. — From heavy work and feeding highly nutritious 
food; or from exposure with very poor food — as for example, the 
run of the straw-stack. 

Symptojns. — In the latter case, the animal is weak and does 
not thrive, becoming hide-bound. The coat is rough, dry, ana 
scurfy. If the animal is warmed up, pimples are apt to fcna 
over the body; when horse stands in the stable over night, his 
legs swell; and if exposed to the weather, scratches ensue; ani- 
mal is dull and unfit for work. Feeding does not bring him up. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 241 

If from high feeding, animal ma}' be in good condition, but the 
eruption of the skin and the swelling of the limbs indicate the 
disease. 

Treatment, — 

If in good condition give a purgative — an ounce of Aloes, or 
^ pound of Epsom Salts; if in poor condition, give raw Einseed 
Oil, I quart, and repeat in two or three days; give a laxative diet 
and a teaspoonful of Saltpeter three times a day for a week, after 
which use the two mixtures as for "Chronic Indigestion." A 
teaspoonful of Sulphur once or twice a day is also good. If in 
the spring, give a run at grass. If he has to be kept in, give 
regular exercise. May have to continue treatment for some time. 

PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA.— 

Caiises. — This disease usually occurs as a sequel to debilitat- 
ing diseases, such as strangles or distemper, influenza and other 
weakening ailments. It may arise from badly ventilated stables, 
and among poorly fed horses. Exposure to storms when in a 
run-down condition may also bring on an attack of the disease. 
It is apparently due to a deterioration of the blood, weakness of 
the capillary vessels, and general debility or exhaustion of the 
nervous system. Certain micro-organisms may play a part in its 
production. Sometimes develops as an independent disorder, 
with animal in good condition. 

Symptoms. — The disease generally comes on rather suddenly, 
and is shown by swellings on various parts of the body, on the 
head, or lips, limbs, abdomen, etc. They pit on pressure, and are 
but slightly painful to touch. Swellings are characterized by 
sudden termination and stop abruptly ; is not so noticeable below 
hocks and knees, as above ; also seen about head and on underside 
of abdomen. The mucous lining of the nose and mouth is 
covered with dark red or purple spots, at first small, but soon 
run together and form quite large patches; a bloody serum flows 
from nose, the tongue may be swollen so as to prevent eating. 
In two or three days bloody serum will exude from the pores of 
the skin over swollen places; later abscesses may form. The 
fever is moderately high, the pulse is frequent, and weak, and 



:242 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Ibecomes v^^eaker as strength fails. A cough is usually present. 
Urine is scanty and high colored, and if bowels are much affected 
a bloody diarrhea may set in, with colic pains. Some of the 
internal organs may become implicated in the disease. A few 
cases run a mild course, and begin to improve in three or four 
days. In severe cases, septic poisoning is apt to occur, which 
soon causes death. The appetite may remain fairly good, 
especially in the milder cases. 

Treatment.— 

The treatment is to nourish the animal well and give tonics 
to build up the system. Give nourishing, laxative food, good 
hay, bran. Linseed meal, scalded oats. Place in a clean, well 
ventilated stall. Give the following medicines: 

Tincture of Iron i ounce. 

Quinine i drachm. 

Water i pint. 

Give as one dose ; repeat three or four times 
a day. 

Iron is a very important drug in this disorder. Also give 
the following, having an hour or so elapse between doses of this 
and the foregoing: 

Fluid Extract Nux Vomica 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract Colchicum Seed i ounce. 

Fluid Extract Gentian 3 ounces. 

Fluid Extract Digitalis i ounce. 

Saltpeter 2 oimces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose; i ounce, in a little water, three or 
four times a day. 

If heart shows weakness, give an ounce of Alcohol in V2 pint 
of water three times a day. Two-ounce doses Hyposulphite of 
Soda, in J4 pint of water, three times a day, are good. If tem- 
perature should run high, give as one dose: 

Acetanilid i drachm. 

Alcohol 1 ounce. 

Water Vz pint. 

Once or twice a day. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 243 

If swellings become bad about the head, so as to interfere with 
breathing or eating, foment with hot water and keep the head up 
higher than the body. If abscesses form, open them and treat as 
described under "Abscesses." After horse improves somewhat, 
change treatment and use tonics as for "Chronic Indigestion." 
A veterinarian can give the Serum treatment. 

RHEUMATISM.— 

Causes. — This is supposed to be caused by an accumulation 
in the blood of a peculiar acid, or of some natural acid in excess. 
Upon the slighest provocation in the way of exposure, or 
derangements of the stomach and bowels, it is apt to assume the 
acute form, and to cause intense pain and lameness. 

Symptoms. — There is lameness, usuallj' of a peculiar kind, 
:flying from one joint to another, and from one leg to another; 
sometimes the parts swell, and sometimes not; the joints most 
commonly affected are the fetlocks, shoulders, and hips. There 
is usually more or less fever, elevation of temperature, high 
pulse, and sometimes suppuration of the affected parts. Some- 
times it attacks the muscles, causing them to contract, and 
changing the shape of the part; the contraction produces pain, 
and the animal moves the affected member frequently, swinging 
it, or pawing; if in a joint, it causes severe lameness, if in muscles 
stiffness. 

Treatment. — 

Place the animal in a dry, well ventilated, but warm box 
stall, blanketed warmly; give a mild purgative — 6 drachms of 
Aloes, or % pound Epsom Salts — and afterwards keep bowels 
active by giving from 5^ to i pint of raw Linseed Oil daily; 
feed laxative diet, roots, bran, and a little hay. Give the 
following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed 6 drachms. 

Liquor Ammonia Aceta lis i pint. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water to make I quart. 

Dose: 2 ounces, three or four times a day. 



244 THK PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Also give as one dose: 

Salol I to 2 drachms. 

Alcohol Yt, ounce. 

Water yi pint. 

Three or four times a day. 

If the temperature runs high, give: 

Acetanilid i drachm. 

Alcohol I ounce. 

Water 54 pint. 

Once a day. 

Apply dry heat to the affected part, in the form of hot 
woolen blankets, hot salt bags, or hot water bottles; also bathe 
the part with some good liniment, perhaps the following: 

Witch Hazel 2 ounces. 

Soap Liniment 3 " 

Ivaudanum 2 " 

Turpentine i ounce. 

Shake. 

If a joint is affected and the lameness remains after the acute 
symptoms subside, apply a blister. See "To Blister," under 
"Ring Bone." 

ABSCESSES.— An abscess is a gathering of pus in a sac 
from a morbid process in the glands, muscular tissues, or even in 
the bones. There are two kinds, which may be classed as acute, 
and cold or chronic abscesses. 

Acute abscesses may arise from distemper; from bruises; 
from cuts healing with foreign matter in them; or from impurities 
in the blood. The}^ are apt to form in any part which becomes 
highly inflamed. A good example are those in the glands after 
distemper. There is an increase in size, glands becoming firm, 
hot, hard and painful At first swelling is uniformly hard over 
entire surface, but it soon becomes soft (fluctuating) at some por- 
tion, mostly at the center. From this time on the abscess is said 
to be "pointing" or "coming to a head," which is shown by the 
small elevation, which at first is dry, but soon becomes moist 
from the serum transuded. The hair over this part loosens and 
falls off, and in a short time the abscess opens, contents escape, 
and cavity gradually fills up. When in the muscular tissue, 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 245 

abscesses are usually the result of bruises or injuries. In all 
cases where abscesses are forming, the ripening should be encour- 
aged with hot, soft poultices — Linseed meal is the best — until it 
points or comes to a head. Then open with a knife, unless in the 
region of a joint or a large blood vessel, when it is imperative to 
let the abscess open of itself. When open, press gently with 
fingers to remove the clots of thick pus and flush out freely, first 
with water, then with a Carbolic Acid lotion; 

Carbolic Acid Yz ounce, 

Water i pint, 

Using a bulb syringe. Probe the abscess with the finger, and if 
opening is too high to allow of good drainage, enlarge it or make 
another. Be very careful in probing abscesses about joints. It 
is a good plan to inject into old abscesses, after they have been 
cleaned out, 2 or 3 drachms of the Tincture of Iodine, press- 
ing on the walls after the injection so as to paint the whole 
interior; repeat daily for three or four daj^s. Do not let the 
opening into the abscess close too quickl)'; enlarge it if it closes 
too rapidly — as it will unless large in the first place. If walls of 
abscess are thick and hard, poultice for a few days after opening. 
Repeat the flushing out of the abscess daily for three or four days, 
then once in two or three days until well. 

"Cold Abscess" is the term applied to those large, indolent 
swellings that are the result of a low or chronic form of inflam- 
mation, in the center of which is a small collection of pus. They 
are mostly met with at the base of the neck and in front of the 
shoulder joint, and are caused by the irritation of a loose or 
badly-fitting collar. The swelling is diffuse, slightly hotter than 
the surrounding parts, and not very painful to touch. This swel- 
ling subsides gradually, and leaves the hardened mass fairly well 
defined. One of the characteristics of cold abscesses is their 
tendency to remain in the same condition for a long time. If, 
however, the horse is put to work, the surrounding tissues assume 
a tumor-like condition, which, after a few days' rest, disappear, 
leaving about as before. Sometimes, by careful examination, what 
appears to be a fluid may be discovered deep-seated in the center 
of the mass. It niaj' be but little, not more than a tablespoonful, 



246 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

and is not easily detected. In such a case the treatment 
consists in exploring the tumor with a small trocar and canula, 
or hollow needle, for the presence of pus. When found, make an 
incision into the tumor and let the pus escape. After this, induce 
active inflammation of the tumor to promote the solution of the 
thick walls of the abscess. Insert well into the incision oakum 
or cotton saturated with Turpentine or Tincture of Iodine, or 
pack incision with Sulphate of Zinc and leave in for twenty-four 
hours. These agents set up a destructive inflammation of the 
walls. Matter is generated, and this is to be encouraged by 
poulticing as in an acute abscess. Orifice must be kept open, and 
if disposed to heal, again introduce some of the agents as above. 
If after the abscess heals, there is still a little enlargement, apply 
once or twice a day, with liberal rubbing, the following Iodine 
Ointment: 

Iodine Crystals 2 drachms. 

Iodide of Potash i drachm. 

Biniodide of Mercury 20 grains. 

Vaseline 2 ounces. 

Mix. 

Follow the application of a little of the ointment with ten to 
fifteen minutes' rubbing with a rub cloth. If the part gets sore 
after a few applications, withhold for a time and then apply again. 

ERYSIPELAS. — Not very common, except in certain sec- 
tions. It is an inflammation of the skin. It may be superficial 
and only involve the upper layers of the skin, or deeper seated 
and involve the under layers. The superficial does not suppurate, 
but the deep seated usually does. It is believed to be contagious, 
and to be due to a bacterial poison. It sometimes rages as an 
epidemic. It usually follows wounds, injuries, and sores, but 
may come on an apparently healthy skin. 

Causes. — It is, as above stated, due to a germ, but the fol- 
lowing are favorable conditions for the development: Damp, hot, 
and oppressive weather, especially if horses are kept in low, 
unsanitary places. The suppression of a chronic discharge; feed- 
ing on rich, heating food, when horse has been accustomed to 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 247 

poor, scanty food; keeping animals with open sores near decom- 
posing animal tissues, are also favorable conditions. The commo:i 
means of contagion is by using same sponge on erysipelatous and 
healthy sores, and by use of harness, clothing, etc. 

Symptoms. — There is usually fever, with pulse and tempera- 
ture raised; urine scant)' and high colored; bowels usually con- 
stipated; loss of spirits and appetite. This may be followed in 
the course of twelve hours by a diffuse swelling that is hot, red, 
and painful; if on a white skin, it will be found shining, tense 
and deep red. It spreads rapidly, terminating at edges in a well 
marked line. Swelling does not pit on pressure, but returns 
when finger is taken away. It may attack a wound in any part 
of the body, but aside from that, is most common in head and 
legs. There is a peculiar odor, like burnt hair. 

Treatment. — 

Place in a very clean, well ventilated stall. Internally, give 
laxatives, as a pint to a quart of Oil, or ^ pound of Epsom 
Salts, and give laxative, but nourishing, food, — bran, scalded 
oats, roots, hay. Also give internally: 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed.... Yz ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Digitalis 3 drachms. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Alcohol 4 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces three or four times a day. 

Also give, alternating with the foregoing: 

Tincture of Iron 3^ ounce. 

Quinine ^ drachm. 

Water Yz pint. 

Three times a day. 

If the temperature runs high, give: 

Acetanilid I drachm. 

Alcohol I ounce. 

Water % pint. 

Morning and night. 

Locally apply to the diseased parts astringent and antiseptic 
lotions. 



248 THK PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

For an antiseptic : 

Carbolic acid ^ ounce. 

Water i quart. 

Apply two or three times a day. 

For an astringent use: 

Acetate of Lead i ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Or: 

Sulphate of Iron 2 ounces. 

Water. i pint. 

Apply two or three times a day. 

Keep the affected part covered with cloths wrung out of a 
solution of Hyposulphite of Soda. 

Hj'posulphite of Soda 4 to 6 ounces. 

Water i pint. 

If possible get a veterinarian to give serum treatment, as 
used in human family. 

If abscesses form, open and treat as described under 
"Abscesses." 



DISEASES OF THE BONES 



CARIES, OR ULCERATION OF A BONE. — This 

may affect any bone in the body. The bones most frequently 
affected are the teeth, the lower jaw, bones of the neck, spines of 
the back, bones of the tail, in fact any bone sustaining an injury 
severe enough to cause a sloughing of the bone substance. 

Causes. — Wounds of any kind, affecting the bone, are liable 
to be followed by inflammation and ulceration. 

Symptoms. — A peculiar, offensive odor of the pus from the 
wound is the first indication that the bone is affected — an odor 
like decayed teeth. The discharge that comes directl}^ from the 
bone is small, but enough to give the odor to the pus from the 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 249 

wound. The surface of the bone is rough. The surrounding 
parts swell considerably, and become in time hard and calloused. 
The discharge, if applied to silver, will tarnish it. 

Treatment. — 

Wash the part and make an opening on the under side, if 
possible, to allow the free escape of pus. Scrape the diseased 
surface of bone with a dull-edged instrument, to remove the dis- 
eased portion, and dress twice daily with the following lotion : 

Hydrochloric Acid 2 drachms. 

Water Yz pint. 

Mix. 

Apply with a swab directly to diseased spot on the bone. 
This will stop progress of disease and promote healthy growth. 
Continue with this until all disease of the bone is gone; then 
change to the following to heal the flesh wound: 

Sulphate of Zinc 6 drachms. 

Sugar of Lead i ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Mix. Shake and apply three times daily. 

Also flush wound with Carbolic Acid solution. Tincture of 
Myrrh is also good, and if weather is cold, Friar's Balsam is 
probabl}^ one of the best things for flesh wounds. 

NECROSIS, OR DEATH OF A BONE.— This is the 

death of a part or the whole of a bone; usually seen in the longer, 
harder bones of the body, and quite often in the lower jaw-bone 
of horses that pull very hard on the bit. 

Causes. — External violence is generally the cause, setting up 
an inflammation of the covering of the bone (the periosteum) and 
cutting off the nourishment of the bone so that it perishes. 

Symptoms. — There will be inflammation, the formation of an 
abscess with one or more openings in the skin, through which the 
pus will find its way; the offensive odor, as in the preceding dis- 
ease, will be present, and occasionally a tit of dead bone will 
pass out with the discharge. The discharge is irritating and galls 
the surface it runs over. 



250 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Make the opening large and downward, to favor a free escape 
of pus, and remove dead bone as fast as possible. The sooner 
removed the sooner the bone will heal. Keep parts clean and 
dress three times daily with the following : 

Carbolic Acid I otmce. 

Water i quart. 

Inject into wound. 

Also use the Hydrochloric Acid solution, as in preceding 
disease. If a limb is affected, put the animal in a sling. If jaw- 
bone, feed on sloppy, easily-masticated food. 

RICKETS. — The term rickets is used to denote an un- 
natural softness of the bony structure in young animals. It is 
due to a deficiency of earthy, and an excess of animal, material 
in the bones, it may be seen in colts, calves, and in young dogs, 
especially spaniels and pointers. In colts and calves the cannon 
bones of the front legs generallj^ bend first, while in dogs the 
lower third of the upper arm bone, giving the animal a dwarf- 
like look. When the bones of the hind legs are affected, the 
toes are turned outward, the hocks inward. 

Rickets appear when the animal is but a few weeks, or a 
few months old, caused by constitutional debility, scrofulous ten- 
denc}^ or by external and preventable causes. Thus we find it 
in calves, which are not allowed to suck the mother; in foals, 
when the mare is taken to work, and colt allowed to suckle at 
morning and night, or at most three times a day; 3"oung animals 
fed on artificial food in place of milk and kept without exercise. 

Treatment. — 

This must be both local and constitutional, and to be suc- 
cessful it must be energetic and persevering, regardless of trouble, 
until a cure is effected, or it becomes plain that case is hopeless. 
If the milk of the mother is suspected, change or increase her food, 
— use bran, and give her alteratives and tonics. Give the mother 
the mixtures as recommended for "Chronic Indigestion." Also 
give her a teaspoonful of Phosphate of Lime twice daily. The 
limbs of the young should be supported by splints of heavy 
leather or wood, with bandages, or by sticking a strong piece of 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 251 

canvas around a strong splint and lacing it around the limb. 
Care must be taken that the splint does not chafe the limb in any 
way. Put a bandage around the leg before applying the splint. 
The splint of wood should be applied to the concave side of the 
curve, taking care that it is long enough to reach the part of the 
limb that is not bent, both above and below curves. Keep animal 
in a level yard, and give foods that tend to make bone, as oatmeal 
and bran to colts, and bones to dogs. Also give the young a 
little of the same mixtures as recommended for the mother, 
especially so if the young is not sucking. Give the colt from 
one-sixth to one-half the mother's dose. 

BIG HEAD.— OSTEO POROSIS.— This is a disease that 
attacks horses from one to four 5'ears of age, rarely older, and 
gradually comes on without any signs of soreness. The bones of 
the head, and sometimes legs, get larger and larger, and become 
very porous and brittle. It more often affects the bones of the 
head than of any other part of the body. An uncommon disease, 
except in certain localities. 

Causes. — The cause of the disease is not known, but by 
some is supposed to be caused by feeding on pasture lands 
deficient in the salts of lime. Others attribute it to the grass of 
low-lying, swampy lands, where there is a lack of nourishing 
substance. 

SytJiptovis. — At first the S5'mptoms are not well marked, but 
the horse is noticed to be dull, falls off in condition, and his 
muscles will get very soft. This may continue for several 
months before the true nature of the disease will develop. 
Horse will seem stiff when traveling, his belly becomes x^xj 
gaunt, and the head will be noticed as getting larger than natural; 
then, after this, the bones of the legs may also become enlarged, 
or sometimes these enlarge early in the course of the disease, and 
as the disease goes on the bones grow larger, the animal continues 
to run off in condition until he dies. It is said that in some 
cases, when walking, one of the bones of the legs have broken 
in consequence of condition. 



252 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

The treatment of this disease is not satisfactory, and if disease 
has been running any length of time, it is best to put the horse 
out of his misery. If in the early stages, give good nourishing 
feed, along with the two mixtures as recommended for "Chronic 
Indigestion." Also give a teaspoonful of Phosphate of Lime 
once or twice a day for a time. 

EXOSTOSIS OF THE JAW.— This consists of bony 
tumors on the lower jaw, where they are quite often seen. 

Causes. — Usually by some external injury, ofttimes by a curb 
chain. Also from a small nose band to the halter. 

Symptojns. — The bony tumor is sometimes spread over a 
large portion of the jaw bone, with very broad base; sometimes 
they are in the form of little lumps or nodules, the size of the end 
of one's thumb, with a very small base; they become hard, and 
usually do no harm, but are disfiguring. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as the condition is noticed, remove the cause; apply 
the Iodine Ointment, as in after-treatment for "Abscesses." 
Keep the part continuously irritated by the use of the ointment. 
Continue treatment for a long time. If the condition has existed 
for some time, it will not respond to treatment. 

SPLINT. — A splint is an enlargement on the cannon bone, 
a little below the knee, usually on the inside, but is sometimes 
seen on the outside. Most often met with on the front legs, 
sometimes seen on the hind legs. The usual place for the 
enlargement is between the large cannon bone and inner splint 
bone above the middle. If close to the knee it is more serious. 
They sometimes attain the size of a hen's &gg, but usually are 
quite small. They cause lameness while growing, but rarely do 
so after they are fully formed. 

Caz^^f^.— Slipping, jumping, running, kicks, bruises of the 
bone, in fact anything that may sprain the ligamentous attach- 
ment between the large cannon and splint bones. Colts that have 
small, weak bones below the knee, or that are very fat and heavy 
on their legs, are most apt to have splints. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 253 

Sy?nptoi7is. — In early stage the colt may walk sound, but trot 
lame. Exercise makes lameness worse; after resting a day or 
two, may start sound, but after going four or five miles goes lame. 
On examination, a sore spot may be found below the knee on 
inside the leg, and a little heat may be detected. Feel for it with 
leg bent and you will be apt to locate it. In later stages there 
will be a bonj^ lump, adhering directly to the leg. WTien an inch 
or more below the knee, it is no permanent detriment, but if 
nearer, it is bad, as it is likely to interfere with knee action. 
When knee is affected, it usually causes permanent lameness. 
This lameness is very rarely met with in horses past six years 
eld — most often seen at three or four. 

Treatment. — 

The more vigorous the treatment the greater tendency to 
the production of a permanent blemish — the bony enlargement. 
The treatment should therefore be mild. Giv€ the colt a long 
rest; put him by himself, where he will not run and play. For 
a few days at first apply cold fomentations, wrap a blanket about 
the leg and keep it wet with cold water, re-wetting every half 
hour; also bathe twice a day with White lyOtion (page 263) . Feed 
laxative diet. This line of treatment requires more time, but 
Avill generally leave the animal unblemished, and if a small 
enlargement does form it can generally be reduced by using 
Iodine Ointment, as described under "Abscesses." If it is 
desired to remove the lameness as soon as possible, regardless 
of blemish, blister the part, extending the blister somewhat 
above and below the affected part. But little attention is paid 
to splints on draft horses, but on carriage and road horses a 
splint is a serious blemish, although the animal may not be 
at all lame. 

SORE SHINS. — Young running horses are apt to have 
sore shins from too much galloping before the bones become 
thoroughly hardened. The bones all along the leg, from foot to 
knee, get sore and somewhat enlarged, causing lameness. The 
inflammation is often followed by an ossification of the effusion 
that is thrown out, and gives the leg the appearance of having 
patches of bone plastered over the shins under the skin. 



254 I'HE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Causes. — Too much galloping when the bones are young and 
tender. Bruises and kicks are often the cause of bony enlarge- 
ments, and if on a joint the result may be serious. 

Symptoms. — There is soreness in front legs, shown by short, 
sti£f gait; if more in one leg than in other, there will be lameness. 
There is tenderness on handling, and more or less swelling at any 
point of injury when it is the result of an accident. At first 
swelling is soft and spong}^ but in a few days it becomes quite 
hard and has the feeling of bone. Soreness may extend over the 
whole surface or be confined to that part near the joints, especially 
the fetlock and pastern. Animal is inclined to knuckle at the 
fetlock and go over on the knee. 

Treatment. — 

Give the animal rest. If in summer, bathe with cold salt 

water; in winter, have hot water. After bathing, apply freely 

White Lotion (page 263) and then bandage lightly with bandages 

wet with a solution of Hyposulphite of Soda: 

Hyposulphite of Soda 4 ounces. 

Water I pint. 

A lotion composed of equal parts of Witch Hazel, Arnica, 
Laudanum and water, is also good to apply. 

Feed on a laxative diet and give a teaspoonful of Saltpeter 
three times a day for a few days. Keep up treatment until sore- 
ness is gone, then, if necessary, use a light blister. The bones 
should never be rubbed very hard nor very much, but the tendons 
on back of legs may have all the rubbing they can get. 

OSTEOPHYTES. —This is the name given to bony 
growths or deposits that follow sore shins or rheumatism. 
There are a number of different kinds. The velvety, or 
villous, like hoar frost, is usually spread over the bone in 
a uniform layer, and is seen in the bones of young horses, 
hack horses, and sometimes in the bones of driving horses. The 
splintered or laminated kind grows more in excrescences, and 
splintered as in spavin. The warty kind grows like a wart, with 
either a narrow or wide base. These are seen on any bone as 
the result of bruises or injury, and sometimes appear around the 
hock or knee joints. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 255 

Cazises. — Hard work of any kind, making the bones sore; 
inflammation sets in, and deposits follow as a natural result. 
Accidents, bruises, kicks, etc., contribute their share. As stated, 
is apt to follow "Sore Shins" and "Rheumatism." 

Synnptovis. — The bony enlargement can be seen and felt. 
There will probably be, in addition, more or less lameness, or, 
in absence of lameness, a stiff, short, stilted gait. 

Treatment. — 

This is not very satisfactory, as it requires a long time, con- 
siderable attention, and continuous rest; and perhaps then there 
is no great improvement. If in early stages, the same treatment 
as in " Sore Shins," followed with prolonged use of the Iodine 
Ointment, as recommended in after-treatment for "Abscesses." 

SIDE BONE. — On each side of the back part of coffin bone 
is a cartilage, called the lateral cartilage of the foot, and by 
pressing on the heel at each side of the foot just above the hoof, 
they can be moved in and out when in a healthy state. When 
diseased, they change to bone and enlarge, giving rise to the 
disease as above named. 

Caiises. — From hard work on hard roads; from any severe 
injury to the quarter, as horse stepping on his own feet, getting 
the foot caught under a root in the woods; contraction of the 
heels; severe nail wounds or bruising of the heels. Feet with low 
heels are predisposed to the disease. If the cartilage becomes 
inflamed from any cause, it is very apt to change to bone. Seen 
most in draft horses, but causes more trouble when on drivers. 

Symptoms. — The quarters are enlarged upward from the 
hoof, hard as bone, and inelastic. In heavy horses there is no 
lameness if case is not severe, but if so, there will be lameness. 
In light horses, the lameness will be the first symptom, followed 
by enlargement. The rapid driving produces pain and lameness. 

Treatment. — 

Give the animal rest. Bathe the feet in cold water by apply- 
ing cold water bandages, or stand in a tub of cold water. When 
soreness is out, paint with Tincture of Iodine several times daily, 



256 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

or use the Iodine Ointment as recommended under "Abscesses." 
Should this not cure, apply a blister, using the Spanish Fly and 
Biniodide of Mercury. (See "To Blister," page 257). 

But little attention is paid to side bones in the draft horse, 
unless they are large, but in the driver they are looked upon 
with great disfavor. Apt to cause lameness when horse is put 
to hard roading. 

RING-BONE. — Ring-bone is the growth of a bony tumor 
around the upper or the lower pastern joints. It is the result of 
an inflammation set up in some of the structures of the joint 
between the large and small pastern bones. Sometimes between 
the small pastern and coffin bone. 

Causes. — Blows, sprains, overwork in young, undeveloped 
animals, fast work on the road; allowing the hoofs of colts to 
grow too long, or colts to follow the mare when at work, are 
among the principal exciting causes. Road horses with short, 
upright pasterns are apt to have the disease, and a long, sloping 
pastern in the draft horse is predisposed to it. Too high calks, 
or too great a shortening of the toe and corresponding high heels, 
when shoeing, predispose to this disease. The predisposition to 
the disease is hereditary. 

Syrnptoms. — I,ameness, more or less acute, is the first symp- 
tom. Besides the lameness, there is more or less heat in 
affected limb, with firm, though limited, swelling of the deeper 
tissues over seat of inflammatory process. When in fore leg the 
heel is placed first on the ground, a long step being taken with 
the lame leg, and the pastern being kept as rigid as possible. In 
hind leg, with ring-bone, the toe strikes the ground first, taking 
a shorter step with the lame leg, and pastern is kept rigid. If 
bony growth is under front tendon of hind leg, or if it involves 
the cofiin joint, the heel is brought to ground first. It is not 
always easy to diagnose ring-bone at first — not until deposit has 
reached a size where it can be seen and felt. The lameness is 
worse on hard ground, and exercise makes worse, especially if 
ring-bone is in front. When the joint between the two pastern 
bones is affected — high ring-bone, as it is called — the enlargement 
will appear just above the hoof; when it affects joint between 




"A 
o 

pq 

O 

"A 
\—< 

P5 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 257 

small pastern and cofl&n bones, it is called low ring-bone, and 
causes the upper part of the hoof to bulge. Eow ring-bone is not 
met with nearly as often as high, but is more serious when it does 
occur. In examining to detect the enlargement when it first 
commences, compare carefully with the other limb, also wet the 
hair of both pasterns; this will make the enlargement more dis- 
tinct, and if inflammation is present, the lame limb will dry off 
more quickly. The enlargement may eventually become very 
large, or remain rather small; it may be evenlj^ distributed around 
the joint, or be larger at one point. The enlargement is spoken 
of as an exostosis. 

False ring-bones are bony enlargements, which sometimes 
appear upon the large pastern, above where true ring-bone ap- 
pears; they do not affect any joint, or cause lameness; simply an 
exostosis upon the bone. Treatment as for "Exostosis of Lower 
Jaw." 

Treatment. — 

After the inflammation starts, or in other words, the ring- 
bone commences, it cannot be stopped until the two bones have 
grown together; this is always the ultimate result — the bones grow 
together, the joint being obliterated. When this is accomplished, 
the horse will travel sound, although the blemish will remain 
throughout life. The treatment then is to simply hasten the 
growing together of the bones (anchylosis, as it is called), and this 
is done by blistering or firing (burning with a hot iron). The 
blister may have to be repeated a number of times, at intervals, 
of from one to two months. It is much easier to overcome a. 
ring-bone behind than in front. Keep the animal quiet during 
treatment, and apply the blister to the front and side of the entire 
pastern. With obstinate cases the horse is sometimes nerved, 
but it should be a last resort; this and firing should be left to a. 
veterinarian. To apply the blister, see " To Blister." 

Ring-boned horses should not be used for breeding. 

TO BLISTER. — Blistering is a line of treatment frequently 
used for various reasons; in case of ring-bones, spavins, splints, 
etc., it is used to hasten the growing together of the bones; in 
case of enlargements, to help hasten their removal; in case of 

t7 



258 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

strains of muscles and ligaments, to stimulate the repairing pro- 
cess, or to remove deep inflammations. The virtue of a blister 
depends upon the inflammation v^^hich the irritating substances oi: 
which it is composed set up. With some the inflammation is 
largely superficial and answers for certain purposes; many of the 
strong liniments have this effect. Other substances set up deeper 
inflammation, which is required with some disorders, as for ring- 
bones and spavins. 

The two substances most commonly used in making blisters 
are Spanish Fly, or Cantharides, a pulverized insect, and Binio- 
dide of Mercury. Turpentine, some of the acids, and other sub- 
stances are at times used. The following are two blisters which 
will answer very nicely: 

No. I Spanish Fly 2 or 3 drachms, 

Lard I ounce. 

Mix. 

No. 2 Spanish Fly 2 or 3 drachms. 

Biniodide of Mercury i drachm, 

Lard 2 ounces. 

Mix. 

No, 2 is best for bony disorders and where enlargements are 
to be removed. No. i will answer for sprains or strains. 

The more thoroughly a blister is rubbed in, the more inflam- 
mation will it set up and the deeper the inflammation produced. 

To Apply a Blister. — The application of a blister is the 
same, no matter where applied. First clip the hair from the part 
to which it is to be applied, and brush vigorously with a stiff 
brush to remove the dandruff, dirt, and open pores; then apply 
some of the blister and rub it in, apply more and rub that in, in 
this way give the part a liberal application and rub for some ten 
minutes. Wash the blister from the hand as soon as the applica- 
tion is completed. Now tie the horse so he cannot lie down, by 
tying high. No matter where the blister is applied, do not let 
the animal lie down until after it is washed off, for if he does he 
will get it onto other parts of the body or rub the part; also tie 
so he cannot rub the part or get his mouth to it; if on the rear 
limbs, tie up the tail. The blister is left on for from twenty-four 
to thirty-six hours; when the desired result is obtained, the part 



,/^ 



•/, 



-V, 






Ctxredi spou/in^. 



'*'\\ 




■•1 



SpaiATv v^ 



'% 
« 




Mr^^* 



^^i' 



^;<K/ %:^: 



Spaz'th 




BONE SPAVIN. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 259 

will be quite badly swollen, the stub hairs will stand erect, and 
the part will be covered with little blisters, which have broken 
and are discharging a yellowish colored fluid; the discharge 
should be quite free if a good strong blistering is wished. If the 
desired effect is produced in twenty-four hours, the blister can be 
washed off; if not, it can be left thirtj'-six, and if it is not producing 
as much inflammation as wished, a little more of the blister can 
be rubbed in and left longer. No absolute rule can be given as 
to the amount of the blister to use, or the length of time to leave 
it on, as some horses blister much easier than others. In washing 
off, use warm, soft water and soap, rubbing as little as possible; 
when the blister is all off, dry the part by pressing a clean, dry 
cloth against it, and then grease freely with melted lard; apply 
the lard once a day until the inflammation has all subsided and 
the new hair has come in. Do not wash the part but seldom; 
after the first time, need not wash at all, but keep the discharge 
from drying and forming a scab by the free use of lard. Care- 
lessness in this is what produces the unsightly blemishes. A 
very severe blister, if properly cared for after it is washed off, 
will not blemish. After the blister is washed off, tie the horse so 
he can lie down, but so he cannot rub the part or get at it with 
his teeth. In the majority of cases after blistering, the animal 
should be kept quiet. The same part should not be re-blistered 
oftener than once in a month or six weeks. It will require from 
three to four weeks for all the inflammation to subside after a 
severe blistering. If the part should swell too extensively after 
a severe blistering, apply the grease freely and give internally a 
large teaspoonful of Saltpeter, three times a day for three or four 
days, and if this does not correct, apply cold or hot fomentations. 

There are a number of blistering preparations on the market, 
of varying compositions. When these are used, follow the direc- 
tions. 

Firing produces its effect the same as blistering, it simply 
being more severe, setting up a deeper and more severe inflam- 
mation. Should be the last resort. 

BONE SPAVIN. — Bone spavin is the name given to dis- 
ease of the hock joint, in which there is inflammation of its 



26o THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

structures, which results in a growing together of the small bones 
of the hock, and the throwing out around the joint of more or 
less bony growth — exostosis. This generally shows most on the 
lower inner aspect of the joint, but may show at other places. 
The exostosis varies greatly in amount. When the spavin forms 
no enlargement, it is called an "Occult Spavin." 

Causes. — As in ring-bone, the predisposition to spavin may 
be handed down in breeding, and horses with this disease should 
not be put to breeding purposes. It may be caused by sprains, 
bruises of the joint by kicking, jumping, running, ©r by hard 
work and fast driving. In fact anything that seriously injures the 
hock joint may forma bone spavin. Small, fine hocks, those that 
are too straight or too much bent, (cow hocks), and hocks which 
drop off quickly below, are very apt to become affected if put to a 
severe test. 

Sympto7ns. — Horse will step shorter and strike the toe first 
in putting down the foot; will be noticed as lame, sometimes 
very bad, when first starting off after standing for a time, or over 
night, but when well warmed up in traveling will go all right, or 
at least better, as exertion causes secretion of the synovial fluid 
(joint oil), which lubricates the joint, and the horse is comfort- 
able until joint gets dry by rest. If there is an enlargement, it 
will be more or less easily seen; if an occult spavin, there is no 
enlargement, but only heat and soreness. At first, enlargement 
may be slight, but as disease advances it will become larger, and 
will extend more or less, involving the bones of the hock. There 
is a peculiar hop to the gait, the hock being carried as stiffly as 
possible. A good test for the occult form is to rest the horse for 
a half hour after warming him up, then take the toe of the lame 
leg in the left hand and raise it as high as possible to flex the 
hock joint; hold it there for two or three minutes, then drop it 
and rush the horse on a smart trot; if spavin, he will go off on 
three legs and bring the toe down when he gets warmed up again. 
In a long-standing case the muscles of the hip on the afflicted 
side will waste away from not being properly used, after a time, 
but this must not be allowed to mislead. Animal will sometimes 
show his lameness much more in going through deep mud or snow. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 261 

In examining for the enlargement when it is small, wet both 
hocks with water, stand the horse squarely on all four feet, tie 
up the tail, and then, sitting down in front of the horse, look 
between the front legs and carefully compare the two joints by 
casting the eyes quickly from one to the other. Also compare 
carefully by feeling of both hocks. If both hocks are affected at 
the same time, which is rare, the horse will take short, stilty steps 
with the hind legs, acting much as though lame in the small of 
the back. The test will help diagnose these cases. 

Treatment. — 

As with ring-bone, treatment consists in hastening the grow- 
ing together of the bones of the hock; the anchylosis cannot be 
stopped, but when completed, if confined to the joints between 
the small bones (see "Anatomy of Hock), the animal will travel 
practically sound; if the inflammation extends, however, to the 
joint between the large bone of the hock and the bone above — the 
tibia — anchylosis will be impossible and the lameness incurable. 
As with ring-bone, the treatment consists in repeated blistering; 
use the Spanish Fly and Biniodide of Mercury blister; apply 
blister to the whole hock, extending it a little above and below; 
keep horse quiet during treatment; repeat blister once in six 
weeks or two months, until two or three blisters have been applied, 
then let go for three or four months and then blister again if 
necessary. If blistering fails, firing may be effectual (see "To 
Blister," under "Ringbone," for the blister, and how to apply 
it). Put a high-heeled shoe on the foot of the affected limb. 
The cutting of a tendon which crosses the hock will, in some 
cases, prove beneficial. It would need a veterinarian for the 
operation. 



:62 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT 



Wounds are of different kinds and are classed as follows: 
INCISED WOUNDS. — An incised wound is a wound 

made with some sharp body. The edges are smooth, as though 

cut with a knife. 

PUNCTURED WOUNDS.— Are those produced by the 
penetration of a sharp or blunt-pointed body, as a thorn, fork, 
nail, snag, etc., and the orifice of these are small in proportion to 
their depth. These are very common wounds in veterinary 
practice. 

LACERATED WOUNDS.— Are wounds where the flesh 
is both cut and torn, as in a case where one horse kicks another, 
barb wire cuts, etc. 

CONTUSED WOUNDS.— Are those where the skin is 
not broken, but the tissues beneath are very much bruised, as 
from blows of various sorts. 

GENERAL TREATMENT FOR ALL KINDS OF 
WOUNDS. — Wounds are common, and in most cases have to be 
treated, at least for the first dressing, at home by those who hap- 
pen to be upon the premises, owing to the urgency of the situa- 
tion. Bleeding is often profuse, and when stitches are needed it 
is best to put them in when the wound is fresh, for not only is 
the stitching more painful and less successful when postponed, 
but after swelling and suppuration have begun, it is useless, for 
the edges will not unite and the stitches tear out, adding to the 
soreness and blemishing that follow. When the skin and flesh 
are laid open by cuts, calks, kicks, or in any way, the first thing 
to do is to stop the bleeding. The blood of the arteries is bright 
scarlet, and that of the veins a dark blue or purple color. When 
an artery is cut, apply the bandage above the wound toward the 
heart, to cut off supply coming down. When a vein is cut apply 
the compress below the wound, for the veins conduct the blood 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 263 

towards the heart. The compress may be a cork bound on 
the artery or vein, or a wad of cotton, or a piece of dry sponge 
with a bandage wound over it tightly. If where a bandage can- 
not be used, the arteries or veins cut, must be taken up and tied. 
A fine pair of nippers can be used to catch the end, which must 
then be tied with a piece of silk. In many cases the bleeding 
may be stopped with Monsel's solution of Iron, with Tincture of 
Iron, or a solution of Copperas applied to the wound with a 
feather. Clean cotton batting, dusted with flour, can be bound 
into the lA^ound for a time ; never use cobwebs or other dusty or 
dirty material. 

If the bleeding is not severe, flush out the wound thor- 
oughly, first with clean water, then with Carbolic Acid lotion: 

Carbolic Acid ^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Use a syringe to flush out with ; a bulb syringe is the best. 
If there are any ragged pieces of tissue within the wound, cut 
them off with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors and sew up the 
wound at once, using a good, strong needle and silk thread, 
doubled to prevent tearing out. Make stitches one-half to three- 
quarters of an inch apart, and tie each one before taking another. 
If wound is large, put stitches in three-fourths of an inch from 
edge of wound, and same depth. Bring the edges of the wound 
just together, leaving opening at bottom for drainage. Clip off 
hair from edges of wound, so that none will be doubled under, 
and bathe with the Carbolic Acid lotion. If the wound is on the 
leg it is best to draw the edges together, even if they tear out, 
and using the lotion, bandage over wound just tight enough to 
hold the parts in place. When it begins to suppurate, wash with 
water, apply Carbolic lotion and bandage as before, but so as to 
let discharge escape. When stitches slough, cut them out. 
When wound is filled nearly to the surface with flesh, change 
lotion to: 

WHITE LOTION 

Sulphate of Zinc 6 drachms. 

Sugar of Lead i ounce. 

Water i pint. 

3Tix and shake well together. 



264 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Apply and leave off bandage. If wound is where it cannot 
be bandaged, use Carbolic lotion until flesh nearly fills up 
wound, then change to White Lotion. If bone begins to ulcerate, 
treat as in that affection, and if joint is affected, treat as under 
"Open Joint." 

Special lines of treatment for different wounds will be given 
in connection with the discussion of that particular wound. 

MODES OF HEALING WOUNDS.— Wounds heal by 
two methods ; 

I St. Healing by First Intention. 

2nd. Healing by Second Intention. 

The first is where the edges of the wound are brought to- 
gether and they unite without any pus formation — rarely get it 
•with the lower animals. 

The second is where the edges do not unite directly, but 
separate a little, and the space between is filled in with new tissue, 
which forms the scar; with this method there is more or less dis- 
charge. With the second method, the wound should be kept 
flushed out with Carbolic lotion. In all cases horses should be 
kept as quiet as possible, fed on soft food to keep bowels tree, 
and if there is a thickening after the wound has healed, apply 
the Iodine Ointment, as recommended under "Abscesses." 

INFLAMMATION OF A WOUND. — This generally 
follows a deep punctured wound, but may occur with other 
kinds. The cause is generally due to germs; the wound was not 
kept clean, or the discharges could not escape. 

Symptoms. — The wound becomes very much swollen, red and 
tender, and the animal may be feverish and in pain; if the wound 
is large, the discharges from the wound will be offensive, and 
more or less bloody and watery looking. 

Treatment. — 

Keep horse quiet and comfortable, and give a teaspoonful of 
Saltpeter in soft feed three times a day, using soft food, along 
with a pint of Oil, every day or two, to keep bowels free. Bathe 
the wound three times a day, for an hour or more, with hot water, 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 265 

or wrap the part in a clean blanket, and keep this wet in hot 
water; or poultice. Use freely the lotions, as directed in "General 
Treatment of Wounds." 

BLOOD-POISON. — This may arise from a wound being 
treated with dirty hands, or from the use of rusty or dirty 
instruments, or from the pus not being allowed to escape, or 
where animal is in dirty place; an animal in poor condition is 
more susceptible. 

Symptoms. — The wound becomes inflamed, sore and red, 
begins to swell and fester, and sores are likely to form on any 
part of the body, which fester and break. The animal becomes 
dull, and weak, pulse rapid and hard, temperature rises, appetite 
lost, and unless condition is overcome, death results. 

Treatment. — 

Is local and internal. First, enlarge the wound, if necessary, 
so as to get free escape of pus, and flush out freely with Carbolic 
Acid lotion — Carbolic Acid, i ^ ounces; water, i quart; repeat 
three times a day. Bathe the wound with hot water for an hour 
three times a day, and poultice between bathings. Give nourish- 
ing, but laxative food; bran, scalded oats, a handful or two of 
Linseed meal, and hay. Give a clean, well-ventilated stable. 
Give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 6 drachms. 

Fluid Extract Colchicum Seed Yz ounce. 

Fluid Extract Digitalis yi " 

Alcohol 5 ounces. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make I pint. 

Dose: Two ounces, three or four times a day. 

Also give, as one dose, three or four times a day : 

Tincture of Iron ^ ounce. 

Quinine yi drachm. 

Water }i pint. 

Alternate these doses with the doses of the 
foregoing mixture. 

Ounce doses of Hyposulphite of Soda in Y^ pint of water, three 
times a day, are also of value. 

If abscesses form in other parts of the body, open and treat 
accordingly. 



266 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE HEAD, 
NECK, SHOULDERS, BODY AND HIPS. 



FRACTURE OF THE SKULL.— 

Causes. — The skull is sometimes fractured by blows, bruises, 
kicks, collisions in runawaj^s, etc. 

Symptoms. — Beside the external marks of injury, there will 
be either stupor or delirium from the pressure on the brain, and 
more or less fever may follow. Later, accumulation of serum in 
the brain cavities, with delirium, convulsions and death. 

Treatment. — 

Get a veterinarian if possible, to raise, or trephine, and remove 
the portion of bone that is broken, and likely to cause pressure 
on the brain. Keep wound clean and treat as a simple wound. As 
a preventive against inflammation of the brain, give the follow- 
ing: 

Fluid Extract Aconite Root i drachm. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i ounce. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water I pint, 

Mix, and give 2 ounces, three times a day. 

Apply chopped ice and bran poultices to the head continu- 
ously for several days and nights. If he gets better, it will be in 
three or four days, but if fever rises and delirium increases, it 
will probably terminate fatally in from three to six days. (See 
"Inflammation of Brain.") 

POLL-EVIL. — Poll-evil is a fistulous sore, affecting the 
bones of the neck near the top of the head or poll. Not so com- 
mon as formerly, when stable ceilings were lower. 

Causes. — Chafing by a heavy halter or bridle; blows on the 
head from the butt of a whip; from horse striking his head against 
a low ceiling, a low doorway, or on the roof of a car while in 
transit. Rearing and falling backward may cause it. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 267 

Symptoms. — There is first swelling and soreness, and the 
horse carries his head stiffly, for it hurts him to move that part of 
the neck. Suppuration sets in; the pus breaks out on the top 
like any abscess, but burrows down toward the bones at the same 
time, which, when the disease is long-standing, become diseased . 
There is a flow of pus, which runs down the sides of the neck; if 
from the muscle, it has a strong, disagreeable odor, but when 
bones are involved, the odor is still more offensive, as in "Caries." 
The pus burrows, forming channels, sometimes in a number of 
directions. 

Treatment. — 

If taken at the outset, the treatment is comparatively simple. 
Remove the cause, and bathe the parts well with hot water twice 
a day, and after each bathing apply the "White Lotion," and 
keep the horse quiet, feeding him out of a high manger, to 
keep parts as quiet as possible. In case there is an abscess, but 
no channels yet formed, open it at lowest point, so as to let all 
matter escape, using treatment as for "Abscesses." When 
channels or sinuses are formed, they must be opened up, and a 
free dependent opening made for the pus. It is more difficult to 
do this in poll-evil, than in other cases; but the sinuses usually 
run down into the muscles of the neck more or less. Follow 
and open them up freely; then, there being free connection be- 
tween the top and bottom of the sinuses, wash out thoroughh^ 
and inject with Carbolic lotion, repeating twice a day. Inject 
a little Tincture of Iodine into the channels once in two or three 
days. If the bones are affected, treat as for " Caries." 

In addition to local treatment, the horse should have a physic 
given at the first, and be given i teaspoonful powdered Saltpeter 
three times a day in his feed. 

INJURIES TO THE MUSCLES OF THE NECK.— 

Causes. — From pulling back on the halter, from getting cast 
in the stall, or in some cases from having been bitten by another 
horse. 

Symptoms. — There is stiffness of the neck, and swelling and 
soreness of parts. In some cases the neck is carried to one side. 



268 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Bathe the parts with hot water three times a day, and after 
wiping dr>' apply White Lotion, continuing treatment until 
all soreness and swelling is gone. In case an abscess forms, treat 
as for "Abscesses." 

FRACTURES OF THE BONES OF THE NECK.— 

Causes. — From falling on the head in a runaway, or from 
stumbling; jumping a high fence and striking on the head might 
cause it, or it might happen in throwing an animal. 

Symptoms. — If fracture causes the bones to press on spinal 
cord, death may occur at once by the stopping of the action of 
the heart. If there is only a piece from one of the bones, there 
will be soreness in the part and the horse will carry his head to 
the side the fracture is on. Any attempt to straighten the neck 
gives a spasm of pain. 

Treatment. — 

Keep the horse as quiet as possible, and feed him out of a 
high manger. Bathe the part well with hot water three times a 
day, wipe dry and apply a strong liniment each time after bathing, 
and the bones after a time will unite. If it does not heal, an 
abscess will form; then open, remove the broken bone and 
treat as an abscess. 

FISTULOUS WITHERS.— This disease resembles poll- 
evil and takes its name from the location on the withers. 

Catises.—Kre often caused by bad fitting collars and saddles; 
by direct injuries from blows; from the horse rolling upon rough 
or sharp stones, or a bite from another horse. Fistulous withers 
are mostly seen in horses that have thick necks, and those that 
are very high in the withers; or, among saddle horses, those that 
are very low on the withers, the saddle riding forward and bruis- 
ing the parts. Under these conditions, simple abscesses, if not 
treated in time, may become fistulae. The pus burrows and finds 
lodgment deep down between the muscles, and only escapes when 
sinus becomes surcharged, or during motion of parts, when mat- 
ter is squeezed out. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 269 

Symptoms. — At first we may notice soreness or stiffness of 
the front legs, and upon examination of the withers, we find 
small, crooked lines — superficial lymphatics — running from the 
point of irritation downward and backward over the shoulder 
region . In a day or so there is swelling on one or both sides of the 
dorsal vertebrae; hot, painful and rapidly growing. Pain may now 
grow less, stiffness disappear, but swelling increases. It fluctu- 
ates on pressure, and either opens up, or its contents thickens, 
dries up, leaving a tumor that gradually develops the characteris- 
tics of a fibroid tumor. When enlargement is open, the cavity 
should be examined, as on its condition depends the treatment. 

Treatment. — 

In earliest stages, when sore, but with no marked swelling, 
the trouble may be frequently cut short. Give both general and 
local treatment. Give a physic of i ounce of Aloes or Yx pound 
of Epsom Salts; also give i teaspoonful of powdered Saltpeter 
three times daily in the feed. Locally foment the parts with hot 
or cold water for an hour at a time, three times daily, and 
apply "White Lotion," or liniment as for "Lymphangitis." 
When formation of pus is evident, hasten it by the use of poul- 
tices, and as soon as fluctuation can be plainly felt, open the 
abscess wall at its lowest point, so that the pus will escape as fast 
as formed. Probe, to be sure that there are no pockets or sinuses 
to hold pus, or the work will not be well done. Then keep orifice 
open and treat as for " Poll-Evil." If the abscess has existed for 
some time and has not opened, the walls thickened, pus also thick, 
then, after opening has been made, contents washed and squeezed 
out, the thickened walls must be sloughed out with caustics. A 
very good and safe method is to tie together a number of small 
balls of cotton batting, leaving the string on the last from four to 
six inches long; saturate these with Tincture of Iodine and pack 
the sinuses with them, leaving the string hanging out. After 
twenty-four hoturs, remove by pulling on the string; keep flushed 
out with Carbolic Acid lotion and repeat the Iodine treatment as 
occasion requires. There must be a dependent opening for each 
sinus. This is sometimes best made by opening the sinus up 
freel}', and again by passing a seton needle and tape from (he 



270 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

bottom of the sinus to the outside, leaving the tape in. Good 
judgment is needed in treating these cases; as no two are just 
alike, no fixed rules can be given. If the spines of the vertebrae 
become affected, we get symptoms of "Caries," and treatment will 
be needed as for that trouble. If the sinuses work down back of 
the shoulder blade, the treatment is still more difficult. Whenever 
possible, this trouble should be treated by a veterinarian, as so 
many varying conditions arise, that experience is needed to know 
how to meet them. 

SWEENY— SHOULDER SLIP.— Sweeny is wasting of 
the muscles of the shoulder blade, leaving the spine on the blade 
exposed the whole length, with deep hollows on each side. It is 
often imagined and treated for, when the cause of lameness is 
very remote. It is most common among young horses. 

Causes. — In plowing, when the plow strikes stones or roots, 
causing sudden jerks on the shoulder; by a blow from the wagon 
tongue when passing over obstructions, by falling and bruising 
shoulder; and by ill-fitting, especially large, collars, and uneven 
draft. 

Symptoms. — Injury will be followed by a slight swelling and 
soreness of the part, and afterward by the wasting away of the 
injured muscles. In some cases the horse is not very lame, but 
goes a little stiff. The wasting may be confined to the muscle 
in front of the spine, or to the one back of it, or both may be 
affected. The pain comes in lifting the limb, and so the animal 
swings it; it is difficult for the horse to step over obstacles. To 
test: hold a foot plank on edge and lead the horse over it. 
Compare both shoulders carefully by standing directly in front 
of the horse, close to his head, and casting the eyes quickly from 
one side to the other. Care must be taken not to mistake a 
poorly muscled condition of the shoulder for sweenj^ 

Treatment. — 

If there is lameness, give rest. In early stage, if shoulder 
is swollen, apply cold fomentations, fasten a folded blanket over 
the part and keep it wet with cold water; follow this with the 
application of a good liniment. If wasting of the muscles, liberal 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 271 

hand-rubbing with a good liniment is needed. It is well to use 

a small piece of stick or a corn-cob for rubbing. A very good 

liniment is the following: 

Soap Liniment 4 ounces. 

Turpentine 2 " 

Strong Aqua Ammonia 2 " 

Shake. 

The part needs to be kept just slightly irritated with the rubbing 
and liniment; if it gets too sore, withhold liniment for a few days. 
If this fails to restore the muscles, a Spanish Fly blister can be 
applied. See ' 'To Blister, ' ' page 257. A seton is also used to restore 
the muscles; this is a piece of tape, ^ inch wide, introduced with a 
large needle just underneath the skin, entering at the top, and 
coming out at the bottom of the wasted portion. The tape should 
be left long enough to be worked up and down each daj^ and a 
piece of leather tied in each end, so it cannot work out. Leave 
the seton in a month or six weeks. The effect of all these treat- 
ments is the same, differing onlj- in degree — setting up inflamma- 
tion, which stimulates the restoration of the muscles. 

SCALDED, OR GALLED SHOULDERS.— 

Causes. — Wounds of this kind are quite common during 
spring plowing, or from ill-fitting collars at any time of the year. 
Collars too large or too small may be the cause. The horse, on 
account of being fed scantily, and perhaps doing little, is soft and 
sweats easily, and if collar and shoulders are not attended to, 
galls and abrasions result. 

Pj-evention. — See that the collar fits well; that the draft is 
distributed evenly over the whole surface; that the shoulder sur- 
face of the collar is kept clean; to keep clean, wipe off when first 
removed from the horse. When horses are at work, raise the 
collars at resting spells and let the air under them; keep the 
mane out from under collar, and remove the collar at noon for the 
shoulders to dry off. At night bathe shoulders with cold water, 
and afterward bathe with White Oak Bark tea, or White 
Eotion (page 263), to toughen the skin. 

Treatment. — 

If the bruise is severe, with considerable inflammation and 
swelling, give rest and foment with cold water by fastening a 



272 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

folded blanket over the part and keeping it wet with cold water, 
re-applying the water every half hour; also bathe well three times 
a day with White Lotion. (See "Treatment of Wounds.") 
Keep up treatment until swelling is all gone, and then when put 
to work, place a pad on the collar either above or below the 
injured part, so as to remove the pressure from it for a few days. 
Drop the pressure back gradually, by removing the pad by layers. 
If the bruised part does not swell, but forms a raw sore instead, 
remove the pressure with the pad and use the White Lotion 
freely. The shoulders should be examined carefully each time 
the collar is removed and treatment began at first indication of 
irritation. 

At times, dusting onto the sores of the shoulder, a powder 
composed of equal parts of Sulphur, Oxide of Zinc and Sub- 
nitrate of Bismuth, or one composed of equal parts of Sulphur, 
Oxide of Zinc, and air slaked Lime, will cause them to dry up and 
heal nicely. 

BRUISES OF THE SHOULDER.-Horses' shoulders 
are quite subject to bruises in various ways. A swelling appears 
around the bruised part soon after the injury, and on examina- 
tion it is found to contain water or serum. 

Treatment. — 

At first foment with cold water, as in preceding trouble, and 
when the serum forms, open and treat as an abscess. See 
"Abscesses." 

SHOULDER JOINT LAMENESS.— Not very common, 
but sometimes occurs, and the seat of the trouble is usually where 
the large muscle of the shoulder passes down through the pulley- 
shaped part of the bone on the front of the shoulder joint, or the 
joint itself may be affected. 

Causes. — A severe strain of the part, which is often caused 
by the horse being cast in the stall; from going through deep 
snow; from falling; from the kick of another horse, or any severe 
blow; and sometimes from rheumatism settling in the joint. 

Symptoms. — When horse is walking he will swing the leg 
and carry the toe close to the ground; very difficult for him to step 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 273 

over obstacles (see "Sweeny"). Gets worse with exercise: worse 
on soft ground; stumbles. In standing he will bring the foot 
well under him, resting on the toe, and allowing the knee to bend 
forward; this is to give the shoulder a rest. Horse will flinch 
from soreness if shoulder point is pinched. 

Treatment. — 

In all cases of shoulder joint lameness, long rest is needed, 
and where there is heat, swelling and soreness to touch, apply either 
hot or cold fomentations by applying a heavy folded blanket to 
the part and keeping it wet with hot or cold water, re-applying the 
water every half hour. Apply for three or four hours each day, 
or continuously, and rub well with some good liniment. 

After the acute inflammation subsides, discontinue the fomen- 
tations and use the liniment, or the blister, if necessary, as in 
' 'Sweeny. ' ' Long and perfect rest is very important in connection 
with the treatment. 

SORE BACK AND SADDLE GALLS.— 

Catises. — From badly-fitting saddles, when used any length 
of time; from saddle sitting too far forward; from wearing a 
saddle when not accustomed to it. The back gets bruised, 
scalded with sweat, chafed with saddle, and skin rubs off in 
places, leaving raw sores. This applies to breast plate, or to 
harness saddle, as well as to riding saddle. 

Treatment. — 

Remove cause and treat as "Scalded, or Galled Shoulders," 

CHRONIC SORES ON BACK OR SHOULDERS.— 

Causes. — From neglecting sores on shoulders and on back. 
The sores show no tendency to heal and keep raw. 

Treatment.— 

Keep the horse from work. Cauterize the sores with Lunar 
Caustic, Tincture of Iodine, or Sulphate of Zinc; afterwards using 
remedies as in "Scalded, or Galled Shoulders." 



274 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 



SIT-FASTS ON BACK AND SHOULDERS.— These 

are large, calloused, tumor-like lumps on the back, as the result 
of saddle galls; or on the points of the shoulders, from collar 
galls. 

Cause. — By continuing the horse at work after the parts are 
galled, without removing pressure or giving proper treatment. 

Treatment. — 

If small, they can sometimes be removed by the long-con- 
tinued use of Iodine Ointment. See "Abscesses." If larger, 
will have to be removed by cutting out. If possible, get a veteri- 
narian for the operation. To remove, make a vertical incision 
through the skin over the center of the tumor, then dissect the 
skin from the tumor, and the tumor from the muscles underneath. 
After the tumor is removed cut a narrow strip from each edge of 
the cut in the skin, so that when it is sewed up the skin will lie 
■close to the muscles; then sew up the cut in the skin nearly to 
the bottom, leaving opening for drainage. See " Treatment of 
Wounds." The next dav inject into the wound a little Tincture 
'of Iodine, and repeat the injection every three or four days, 
treating as for "Abscesses." If, after the wound heals, there is 
a little thickening left, use the Iodine Ointment. By clipping the 
hair from over the tumor, and rubbing the skin well with a ten 
per cent, solution of Cocaine, using about V^ ounce, and waiting 
about fifteen minutes, most of the pain of the operation can be 
prevented. See "Local Anaesthetics," page 347. 

The horse must be given a long rest, the part thoroughly 
healed, and care used when put to work again, or the trouble will 
return. 

CRAMPS OF THE MUSCLES OF THE NECK 
AND LOINS— CHORDES.— This disease is of a rheumatic 
nature, and is most common in spring, fall, and winter. 

Causes. — Exposure to cold and damp by sleeping out on the 
ground in wet, cold weather. 

Symptoms. — There is swelling of the muscles of the neck 
and loins, tenderness on pressure, neck twisted around to one 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 275 



side, and is stiff, so that the horse cannot eat from the ground. 
The animal under these conditions is stiff and sore all over. 

Treatment. — 

Apply cloths wrung out in hot water, and laid on the sore 
muscles. Keep horse in a warm, dry place, blanket warmly. 
Give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed y^ ounce. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose, 2 ounces in grain, three times 
a day. 

Feed on a laxative diet, with small dose of Oil, or Epsom 
Salts. 

SPRAIN OF THE BACK.- 

Causes. — By slips, or falls, or by having heavy objects fall 
on the animal's back. The ligaments, and sometimes the cover- 
ings to the spinal cord are involved, and though these are 
amenable to treatment, the recovery is often slow. 

Symptoms. — Sprain of the back is diagnosed by pressing the 
thumb and finger along the spine, and by throwing the weight 
suddenly on the tender spot, when pain will be evinced. If, 
while in action, the animal is made suddenly to halt, pain is 
shown by back arching, or bending sidewise, and, perhaps, legs 
thrown under the body, as though unable to perform their ofi&ce 
in stopping. 

Treatment. — 

Clip off the hair along the spine and apply a Fly blister, 
made by mixing ^ ounce of Cantharides in 2 ounces of lard. 
Smear the blister once daily with lard or vaseline, and repeat 
the treatment, if necessary. Give a long rest and run in pasture. 

BROKEN BACK.— The back is sometimes broken by the 
fall of heavy objects, as snow or ice falling from roofs; from falls 
through traps or holes; or from being cast for an operation. 

Symptoms. — \i the spinous processes only are broken, there 
will not be much change in outward appearance; but the snap- 
ping or cracking that is noticed in fractures will be present, and 



276 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

there will probably be some change in the straight outline of the 
back. If the back is broken so as to press upon the spinal cord, 
it will cut off all sensation and power of motion from all parts 
back of fracture. Prick the tail or any part back of injury with 
a pin; if there is no sensation, the back is injured and spinal cord 
pressed upon. When there is only muscular strain, while there 
is inability to move the hind legs, there will be sensation and 
ability to move the tail when pricked with a pin. 

Treatment. — 

If spinous processes only are fractured, horse will get well. 
Put him into slings if he can stand when raised. If not, leave 
him on the floor, for he will be more comfortable unless he can 
bear most of his weight when raised. Apply cold water cloths to 
fracture, and bathe with a good liniment. After active inflam- 
mation has subsided, stop the cold water and just give the horse 
time, allowing nature to mend the fracture. If any of the 
broken pieces do not reunite and continue to act as irritants, an 
abscess will form, and when it is soft and nearly ready to break, 
open enough to admit finger and take out pieces. Treat after- 
wards as for "Abscesses." If back is absolutely broken, so that 
there is displacement, loss of power in hind parts, and sensation, 
the horse should be killed to save suffering. 

BROKEN RIBS.— 

Causes. — By falling; colliding with trees, or walls while run- 
ning away; from kicks from another horse, etc. 

Symptoms. — If with no displacement, there will be no exter- 
nal change in appearance, and a diagnosis must be based on rapid 
breathing, breath being cool; and effort to raise the flanks to 
avoid working the ribs in breathing, forming a crease along the 
sides of the belly; unwillingness to move; and upon the horse 
persistently standing. 

If displacement takes place there will be either a bulging in or 
out according to whether the ends are tipped in or out, but 
usually in, leaving a hollow over the break, and puncturing the 
pleura, in which case the symptoms will be aggravated; more 
evidences of pain and perhaps some bleeding at the nose, loss of 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 277 



appetite for a day or two, and more or less fever, according to 
amount of injury done to chest and contents. The injury to the 
pleura will cause localized pleurisy, which may become general, 
and if the lining itself is injured, inflammation of it may occur. 

Treatment. — 

Put horse in a box stall and foment the injury with hot water 
by holding a blanket against it with a surcingle. Watch the 
symptoms for pleurisy, and if symptoms of it appear, treat as for 
that disorder. See "Pleurisy." 

Should there be bleeding, treat as prescribed for under that 
head. Give perfect rest until horse is able and willing to take 
gentle exercise, which will be in four or five weeks. Two months 
should elapse before horse is put to work. Feed on easily 
digested laxative diet, bran, scalded oats, Linseed meal, hay or 
grass, if in season. 

INJURIES TO THE MUSCLES OF THE BELLY— 

Causes. — Sometimes from something that turns up and 
catches the muscles, from the hook of a cow, or from the kick of 
another horse. 

Treatment. — 

If a lacerated wound, treat as directed in "Wounds" of that 
class. If a puncture, examine to see that there is nothing 
remaining in the wound, then treat as for that class of wounds. 
If severe enough to allow the bowels to come out, the case is 
serious. If out so that horse has trampled on them, there is 
nothing to do but destroy the horse, but if not out much, and are 
not injured or blackened, throw and secure animal, wash bowels 
gently by pouring tepid water over them, and then a weak 
Carbolic solution (Carbolic Acid, ^ ounce; water, i quart), 
and push them back in place; then stitch up wound and bathe, 
afterward applying lotions as for wounds. If opening is large, a 
bandage should be put around the body to help support the 
stitches. Keep horse quiet and feed on soft feed till wound 
heals. With some animals a twist on the upper lip may control 
so that it will not be necessary to throw them. 



278 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

STAKED. — This is not an uncommon occurrence among 
horses. 

Causes. — From jumping fences and getting caught on stakes, 
from running against stakes in the field, or from injury hy 
implement handles. 

Treatment, — 

Pull the stake out, if still sticking in the wound, and examine 
carefully to see that there are no pieces of wood left in the wound. 
There is not usually much bleeding in such cases unless the 
stake happens to strike a large vessel, but should there be, and the 
vessel cannot be tied, plug the hole with cotton batting and 
leave it in for twenty-four hours. Then remove and treat as for 
punctured wounds. Keep horse quiet until wound begins to 
heal, and feed soft food to keep bowels free. 

HIPPED. — This is a term applied where the point of the 
hip bone is knocked down. 

Causes. — From running through a narrow doorway and 
striking the sides; from falling on the hard ground, or from any 
injury that will break off a piece of the hip bone. 

Treatment. — 

Make the horse as comfortable as possible, and apply hot 
fomentations by means of blankets wrung out of hot water, and 
then use the following liniment: 

Tincture Arnica 2 ounces. 

Tincture Opium 2 " 

Aqua Ammonia 2 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Mix and apply twice or thrice daily until 
the swelling and soreness is gone. 

In case the hip swells and festers around a piece of bone that will 
not reunite, open and remove it, treating the same as for an 
abscess. Animal will remain one-sided, and will in some cases go 
that way, but will be as useful for common work, 

FRACTURE OF THE ILIUM.— The ihum is sometimes 
fractured at its small part, just in front of the hip joint. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 279 

Causes. — Slipping, falling, sudden turning, etc. 

Symptovis. — There will be great lameness, animal scarcely 
touching the foot to the ground, and if fracture of this bone is 
the cause, by examining, through the rectum, the side of the 
pelvic cavity, the broken condition can be recognized, especially 
if bones are displaced. 

Treatment. — 

If active and high-strung, keep the horse on his feet for a 
day or two, by tying his head up; then place in slings. If this is 
done at first, the struggles of the animal will be apt to displace 
the bones. If the animal is quiet, put him in a sling at once. 
The bones cannot be got at to set; so all that can be done is to 
let nature do the work. Feed soft food to keep bowels in order, 
and give a long rest, two to six months, to allow union of bones. 
The muscles of the hip will waste away more or less, but will fill up 
again when the horse is able to exercise. If they do not fill in, 
give treatment as for ' ' Sweeny. ' ' 

In the uniting of the bone, more or less bony material will be 
thrown out, forming a bony tumor, and if the animal is a mare, 
before breeding her an examination should be had to see that it 
will not interfere with parturition. 

FALLING AWAY OF THE MUSCLES OF HIPS 
AFTER FOALING.— 

Causes. — By mare throwing herself ; by striking against some- 
thing, and bruising the muscles. 

Symptcnns. — The animal will be noticed as stiff and sore after 
foaling, and in a few days there will be a falling away of the in- 
jured parts. 

Treatment. — 

Let the mare run out and treat the wasted muscles as for 
" Sweeny," using liniment first, and if this is not sufficient, apply 
a blister. 

SORE TAIL FROM THE CRUPPER. 

Causes. — From reining horse too high, drawing crupper too 
tight, or from accumulation of filth on the crupper, etc. 



2So THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Leave off crupper for a few days, and if not clean, see that 
it is cleaned and kept so. Slack the rein if from that cause. 
Treat wound as in "Scalded, or Galled Shoulders." 

FRACTURE OF BONES OF THE TAIL.— 

Causes. — Usually from rearing up and falling back on the 
haunches. Not common. 

Treatment. — 

Keep animal quiet, and if in fly season, cover animal so that 
the tail will not be kept in motion. If swollen, apply cold fomen- 
tations and White Lotion (page 263) until swelling is gone. 
Bandage moderately tight and leave it on a few days at a time 
while the bones are uniting. Keep horse quiet until the bones 
unite. 

TUP- JOINT LAMENESS.— This is a sprain of the round 
ligament of the hip joint. 

Causes. — From stepping on a rolling stone that turns and 
throws the leg forward; from slipping on the ice; or from falling 
and striking on the hip. 

Symptoms. — Horse steps short on affected side, and in trot- 
ting, every time the leg is raised the hip is also raised; he gets 
worse with exercise. When made to stand around with the hind 
limbs, keeping the front nearly stationary, the same as he steps 
over in the stall, he will be found to be much lamer when step- 
ping towards the side of the lame leg. The muscles of the hip 
waste away soon after the lameness appears. 

Treatment. — 

If a long-standing case and the joint is diseased, it is prob- 
ably incurable, but if taken in time, animal may be cured by 
keeping him quiet and fomenting the lame part with hot or cold 
water, by placing a folded blanket over the part and keeping it 
wet; also use the liniment as in "Shoulder Joint Lameness." 
When soreness and swelling are out, blister (see "To Blister," 
page 257). Repeat blister in a month or six weeks if necessary. 
Put the horse in a slins: if he does not lie down. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 281 

SPRAIN OF THE MUSCLES OF THE HIP.— This 

is, perhaps, more comtaon than hip-joint lameness. 

Catises. — By shpping while pulling a heavy load; from slip- 
ping by being pulled up too suddenly; by falling; by getting up, 
etc. 

Symptoms. — There is swelling and soreness of the muscles; 
great dijfficulty in bringing the leg forward if those on the front 
of the leg are strained; dislikes very much to pull if those on the 
top and back of the hip are strained. When standing, horse does 
not always rest the leg, and only shows the lameness when in 
action. If one stands directly behind the animal, the swelling is 
more noticeable. 

Treatment. — 

Keep animal quiet; bathe well with hot water, three times 
daily, or apply hot blanket; after bathing, wipe dry and rub the 
parts well with the liniment found in "Shoulder Joint Lameness," 
follow with blistering, if necessary. (See "To Blister," page 
257-) Give rest until thoroughly recovered. 



DISEASES OF THE FRONT AND 
HIND LEGS 



CAPPED ELBOW— SHOE-BOIL.— This is an enlarge- 
ment at the point of the elbow. 

Causes. — From laying the point of the elbow on the hard 
floor, or from lying down, so that the elbow-point rests on the 
shoe; or from wearing a heav>' belly-band on the harness that 
rubs the elbow; or by bruising the elbow against the floor in 
springing to get up. 

Symptoms. — At first a scurf }'• wrinkled appearance indicates 
the danger, and if cause is not removed, it goes on growing day 
by day, until a large tumor is developed. Sometimes a large, hot 
swelling may form in a few days, very sore to touch, which is not 



2S.'> THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

usually the case with those of a slow growth. The enlargement 
is generally covered with hair, but sometimes it is raw, and has 
a proud-flesh-like growth, hence the name "shoe-boil." 

Treatment. — 

If caused by the shoe, have him shod with a short-heeled 
shoe, and for a time put a large pad on the leg, so that shoe can- 
not strike the part. When hot, sore, and of short duration, give 
the horse a laxative of i ^ to 2 pints Linseed oil; bathe the parts 
with hot water, or apply a poultice until liquid collects; as soon 
as this is detected, open at lowest point and treat as for "Ab 
scess." Inject with Tincture of Iodine, and if any enlargement 
is left, use the Iodine Ointment. If no pus forms, continue 
fomenting until inflammation subsides, and then use the Iodine 
Ointment. If the tumor is soHd, like those that occur on the 
shoulders, it is best to dissect them out. See discussion under 
' 'Sit-Fasts on Back and Shoulders. " If a blood-vessel should be cut 
during the operation, pick it up and ligate. See "Treatment of 
Wounds." After the tumor is removed, treat as an abscess, 
using the Iodine Ointment to remove the thickening that is left. 
Sometimes, if the tumor is not too large where it joins the leg — 
not over two or three inches through — a string may be tied tight 
around it, over skin and all, close to the leg; this cuts off the circu- 
lation, and the tumor sloughs in from two to three weeks. Tighten 
the string occasionally. After the tumor sloughs, treat the raw 
spot as an ordinary sore and it soon closes in. This method causes 
extensive swelling, and pain. 

With any of the treatments, the horse must be kept standing 
until wound has healed. 

Nailing a two-inch plank, which is from eight inches to a 
foot wide, across the stall a little back of where the front feet 
stand, will act as a preventive against the return of the trouble; 
in lying down, the under side of the chest strikes against the 
plank and raises the body a little, preventing the bruising of the 
elbows. 

FRACTURES.— 

Causes. — Fractures with horses may arise from numberless 
ways, but the principal causes, perhaps, are those of running 




'<;*'^ 



THE SLING IN USE. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 283 

away and falling, or colliding ; being kicked by other animals ; 
getting a limb through a hole in the stable floor, or through a 
bridge, etc. 

Fractures are divided into the following classes: Simple, 
when nothing else is broken but the bone; compound, when the 
ends of the bones pierce through the flesh and skin; complex, 
when the bone is shattered in many pieces, and one or more 
prick through; transverse, when the bone breaks straight across; 
oblique, when bone is broken in a slanting direction; green-stick, 
when bone breaks as a green stick, splitting, bending, and 
twisting, without breaking directly off. Bones may be cracked 
or broken without displacement. Bones of old horses are much 
more subject to breaks than those of young ones. 

Sympt(n7is. — When a fracture is suspected, manipulate with 
the hand and listen, and if grating of ends of bones is heard, the 
symptom is unmistakable. Great lameness always accompanies 
fracture, be it ever so slight. When the bone is only cracked, 
there will be great lameness, with few, if any, conclusive symp- 
toms to indicate a break, but by careful examination a sore place 
can be felt; horse will not bear weight on the limb, and lifts often 
as though in great pain. In all cases there will be a rise in the 
pulse and respiration from the nervous shock and pain, more or 
less inflammation follows, and the temperature will be raised a 
little. In time, if not relieved, all symptoms increase, the nostrils 
dilate, the face looks haggard and anxious, the eyes sunken, 
the injured limb swells, becomes hot, and in all fatal cases, when 
inflammation reaches its height, mortification begins and extends 
toward the body, when death is only a question of hours. The 
part gets cold and clammy, a peculiar, offensive sweat appears, 
the skin, if white, gets purplish, but if black, discoloration can- 
not be seen. Pain ceases when mortification sets in. 

Treatment. — 

Treatment is rarely practical except with young, or valuable 
animals. If a fracture of the cannon, arm, thigh, femur, shoulder 
or back, it is fatal in most all cases, if displacement takes place, 
and especially so if a compound or complex fracture. If it is a 
fracture c>f the back, paralysis of all parts back of fracture will 



284 I'HE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

ensue. In many of the above instances the horse might as well 
be killed. If the horse could be kept quiet many of the cases 
might be successfully treated, but with the swinging of the leg, 
and moving about, the bones will not knit. If it is the shoulder 
or thigh, it is so deeply embedded in muscle that it is very dif- 
ficult to set the bones, especially if the fracture is oblique, for the 
muscles contract and draw the ends of the bones past their proper 
positions from two to six inches, and it is impossible to bring the 
ends together even with the aid of a pulley and tackle. But, if 
it is a fracture of the foot, pastern, fetlock, hip, or any other 
part where there is no displacement, a cure can usually be made. 
If it is desired to try treatment, put the horse in slings to take 
the weight from the injured leg, and to relieve the weight from 
the others. Bring the broken ends of the bone together in a 
natural position, then envelop for a distance of five or ten inches, 
with Plaster of Paris bandage, or if that is not handy, soak a 
piece of sole leather in water until soft, mold it to the form of the 
leg and bind it on, so as to keep it perfectly tight and solid, and 
in its place. Splints may be used with the leather, or a Starch 
bandage is good with splints. Have the starch very stiff, fill the 
hair with it and then begin to wind a long strip of cloth, not 
tight, but just so as to keep the parts in their places; put on a 
quantity of starch with each wind of the bandage; after making 
half a dozen turns, put on splints, one on each side, and one on 
the back, but none in front; then wind for four or five turns. If 
leg swells so as to make bandage too tight, slit bandage up a little 
way at either end. Leave on five or six weeks, keeping horse in 
slings, just tight enough to give gentle pressure to the belly. 
Talk to him, if unruly at first, and he will soon get accustomed to 
the conditions. 

Should any pieces of bone become detached, they will act as 
foreign matter and must be removed. If leg is bandaged, the 
condition will be recognized by increased swelling in surrounding 
parts, and also in heat and soreness, uneasiness, and increase in 
temperature, pulse, and in respiration. 

When the hip is broken down— " hipped "—there is nothing 
to do except to give time, and what constitutional treatment is 
indicated. Fracture of the shoulder blade is treated in the same 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 285 

way, except that it might be advisable to put the horse in sHngs. 
In all cases watch the symptoms, but it would be well to give the 
following: 

Fluid Extract Aconite Root i drachm. 

Spirits of Niter 4 ounces. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Nitrate of Potash i^ ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

MiXf and give 2 ounces, three or four times 
a day. 

Give as long as there is high fever. Give all the cold water to 
drink the horse wishes, and give it often. Give liberal, but laxa- 
tive, diet. 

Plaster of Paris Bandage. — When the broken bone is 
in the leg, where there is very little soft tissue covering it, and 
consequently very little swelling, a Plaster of Paris splint, or 
cast, can be applied directly over the flannel bandage. Pre- 
pared Plaster of Paris bandages may be bought at drug stores, or 
they can be made by using strips of cheese-cloth or thin cotton 
two and a half inches wide and six feet long. These bandages 
are liberally sprinkled with Plaster of Paris, which is worked into 
the meshes of the cloth and sprinkled on its surface. The band- 
age is then rolled up. When ready to apply, the bandages are 
placed in a dish of water until thoroughly saturated, which will 
be shown when bubbles cease to rise. Now apply bandage over 
the fracture, beginning below and winding upward until a jacket 
is formed at least one-half inch thick. The plaster cast should 
extend as far above and below the fracture as is possible. It is a 
good plan to start the plaster bandage at the foot or at a large 
joint, in order to prevent its slipping down, as it is likely to do if 
the swelling in the part should subside. The plaster soon sets, 
and a very firm jacket is formed. 

STRIKING THE KNEE (SPEEDY CUT).— This is a 
case where the animal strikes the inner, lower part of the knee 
with the opposite foot. 



286 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Causes. — Faulty conformation is the most prolific cause. It 
may happen when the feet grow too long; from defective shoeing; 
swelling of the leg; high knee action ; and because the chest is 
too narrow. Horse is more apt to strike when tired. 

Symptoms. — Generally the evidences of striking are easy of 
detection, for the parts are tender, swollen, and skin broken. 
There may be lameness and occasional tripping or unsteady gait, 
when the knee is hit. It only occurs with horses with high 
action, and when they trot. 

Treatment.— 

Give the horse rest; wrap a blanket around the knee, holding 
it in place with a strap around it above and below the knee; wet 
it down with fresh water every half hour, apply the whole of 
each daj^ until inflammation and swelling are gone. Bathe well 
once a day with White I^otion (page 263), and once a day 
with the following: 

Soap Liniment 3 ounces. 

Witch Hazel 3 " 

Turpentine 2 " 

Shake; apply with liberal rubbing. 

If it is evident that an abscess is to form, change the fomen- 
tation to a poultice, and continue poulticing until abscess points, 
and when covering over pus gets thin, open; use extra precaution 
not to have knife go too deep; have an assistant hold foot straight 
out in front, clasp the knife so that only a little of the point 
extends beyond the thumb and finger, and make the opening at the 
bottom of the abscess; flush out with water, then inject a little 
Iodine and continue poultice for a few days, and then go back to 
the fomentations again; inject abscess once a day until it heals, 
with a Carbolic Acid solution. If there is any swelling or 
thickening afterwards, use Iodine Ointment. (See ' 'Abscesses." ) 
It is very important that there be no scar or thickening left. Do 
not give fast roading until wound is thoroughly healed, and use 
a knee boot for some time afterward. Also shoe to prevent 
striking. Shoe opposite foot very close on the inside and with a 
short heel, turning inside calk lengthwise of shoe, and slant off 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 287 



the inner border of the web. Spread the gait by making the 
outer web of the shoes much wider than the inner web, thus 
making the outside of the shoe heavier. During treatment give 
laxative diet and a teaspoonful of Saltpeter, three times a day. 

BROKEN KNEES. — This term is applied to any injury 
to the front of the knees. 

Cause. — From falling on the knees. 

Sympto7ns. — These will vary much, depending upon the speed 
at which the animal is going and the kind of ground fallen upon. 
Sometimes there is only a little bruise and the hair brushed off; 
at other times the skin is cut; and again, the skin and tendons are 
cut, or the joint may be opened, or the bones broken. With the 
milder forms there may be no lameness, with the more severe the 
lameness will be very great. 

Treatment. — 

If the skin is not broken, apply the fomentations and lotions 
as in "Speedy Cut," and if an abscess should form later, treat 
that as for "Speedy Cut." In opening, have the leg drawn well 
forward, with the foot held a foot or more from the ground, so 
that horse will jerk away from, instead of against the knife. 

If the skin is broken, clean oflF all dirt by syringing water 
into the wound; after the dirt is removed examine to see how 
deep the cuts are; if confined to the skin and quite long, put in a 
stitch or two, provided they can be put in and not stop drainage, 
and then follow with the treatment as above, and in addition flush 
out the wound daily with Carbolic Acid lotion: 

Carbolic Acid Yz ounce, ■ 

Water i pint, 

And with the White Lotion (page 263). If, upon exami- 
nation, the cuts are seen to be deep, after cleaning apply a poul- 
tice and leave on twelve hours, and then remove carefully to see 
if there is any synovia (joint oil) on it where it contacted the 
wound; if joint oil is present it may be recognized by its looking 
much like the white of an &%<g. except that it is a light yellow 
in color. If there is no joint oil, treat as before described; if 
there is, treat as an open joint. See "Open Joint." 



THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



If the bones are broken, unless a very valuable breeding 
animal, it may as well be destroyed, for if recovery took place 
the knee would be stiff. 

If the tendons are cut, the chances are that they will not 
unite, but treatment may be tried. Stiffen the knee, so as to 
keep the ends together, and treat the same as when the joint is 
not opened. 

In all cases the horse must be kept standing until cured; in 
the severer cases he should be given a sling. Give a laxative 
diet, and in the milder cases give a teaspoonful of Saltpeter two 
or three times a day. In the most severe cases use the following: 

Fluid Extract of Aconite i drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed.... Yz " 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: Two ounces, two or three times a day. 

PUFFY ENLARGEMENTS AROUND KNEES 
AND FETLOCKS (BURSAL ENLARGEMENTS.) — 

Causes. — From striking the knees against the manger while 
pawing; from lying on the hard floor; or from any cause that 
will bruise the knees or fetlocks. 

Symptoms. — There is a puffy enlargement, but not sore to 
handle, and it feels as if it was full of fluid. 

Treatmknt. — 

At first apply cold fomentations, as in "Speedy Cut;" follow 
this by using the Iodine Ointment, as recommended under 
"Abscesses." Continue the use of the ointment for a long time. 
Some of these enlargements can be opened the same as for 
"Speedy Cut," or "Broken Knees," but it best be left to the 
judgment of a veterinarian as to when this is practical. 

KNEE-SPRUNG— This isnot a disease,but the effect of one. 

Causes. — From hard and fast work; from standing in a stall 
that has too much slope; or from feeding out of a very high 
rack; or from a sprain of the back tendons of the leg. Being 
shod with high heels will also cause it. Horses with weak, 
small knees are most subject to this trouble. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 289 

Symptoms — The appearance; the knees are partly bent; at 
first may have to stand at the side and examine carefully to 
detect it, but later it is very marked. 

Treatment. - 

If the animal is wanted for work, while being treated, first 
make the stall floor level, and feed horse from the floor. Bathe 
the legs with cold water twice a day; after drying, apply a good 
strong liniment at night and bandage for a few hours; shoe the 
horse with a flat shoe, if roads wil^ allow. If horse can rest, 
turn him out and blister the back cords below the knee if the 
back tendons have been strained; above the knee, if not. Use 
the Spanish Fly blister. See "To Blister," under "Ring- Bone." 
Blister but one leg at a time, treating the other two weeks later. 
With cases that have been in existence for some time, the 
treatment will be unsuccessful. In some cases the knees can be 
straightened by cutting some tendons on the back of the leg, 
above the knee. The operation would require a veterinarian. 

SPRAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS.— 

Causes. — Hard driving; too oblique pasterns; slipping; too 
small tendons; shoeing with shoes too short at the heels; shoeing 
with heels lower than toe calks; allowing the toe to grow too long 
or cutting the heels away too much. 

Symptoms. — There is more or less swelling and heat along 
the sprained tendons; horse will be lame in traveling; and if the 
cords are pressed upon, the horse will flinch. Lameness gets 
worse with exercise; strikes toe to ground first. Heat and swell- 
ing may be close to the knee or down lower; a very little swelling 
is easily recognized here, as the parts should be very clean cut. 
Straightens the pastern, and points with the lame foot, or may 
stand with knee a little sprung. 

Treatment. — 

Apply cold fomentations as in "Speedy Cut;" use high-heeled 
shoe; apply a good strong liniment twice each day. Give long 
rest. If liniment fails, apply a Spanish Fly blister. (See "To 
Blister" under "Ring-Bone.") 



29C THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

SPRAIN OF THE FETLOCK JOINT.- 

Causes. — From horse stepping crooked, or turning over on 
his ankle. 

Symptovis. —The animal will be very lame; the joint will be 
swollen and sore to handle. Aside from the location of the swell- 
ing, the symptoms will be the same as for ' 'Sprain of the Back 
Tendons." 

Treatment. 

Give the same treatment as in "Sprain of the Back Tendons. " 

KNUCKLING, OR COCKED ANKLES.— The fetlocks 
are often knuckled forward, but this, like knee-sprung, is only a 
symptom of some other trouble. The fetlocks are often mistaken 
for the seat of trouble and are uselessly blistered and burned 
without benefit. 

Causes. — Colts are sometimes born with this condition, but 
usually it is only temporary. Horses with erect pasterns are 
subject to this condition, especially in the hind legs. Heavy work 
in hilly sections; fast work on the track or roads are exciting 
causes of knuckling. It may be caused by disease of the suspen- 
sory ligaments, or of the back tendons, whereby they are short- 
ened; or by disease of the fetlock joint itself. 

Symptoms. — The appearance of the fetlock; it is thrown 
forward, partly flexed. When first coming on, it may fly back 
when pulling, but be thrown forward when standing still. 
Treatment. — 

In colts no treatment is necessary, unless very bad deformity 
is present, and then a veterinarian is needed. When knuckling 
is begun, relieve the tendons and ligaments by proper shoeing. 
Prepare the foot by shortening the toe as much as possible, leav- 
ing the heels high; or if the foot is prepared in usual way make 
the shoe thin in front and with thick heels or high calks. A 
long-heeled shoe with high calks is best for the hind feet. In 
the early stages, as soon as the weakness shows, give rest and 
treat the fetlock or back tendons, in whichever the trouble lies, 
as for "Sprain of the Back Tendons." If the fomentations and 
liniments do not relieve, blister the parts. Tn cases of long- 
standing, treatment will fail to relieve. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 291 

INTERFERING, OR STRIKING THE FET- 
LOCKS. — An animal is said to interfere when one foot strikes 
the opposite leg in passing, during locomotion. It is seen more 
often in the hind than in the fore legs. It causes a bruising of 
the skin and deeper tissues, and usually there is abrasion of the 
surface. Lameness, tripping, and thickening of the parts may 
result. 

Causes. — Are sometimes from shoeing with too heavy a shoe, 
and making a long trip before horse is used to it. Faulty con- 
formation is the most prolific cause, which shoeing will largely 
correct; too' long feet; rough, slippery roads; weakness; ex- 
haustion; fast work; or from narrowness of hips. 

Symptoyns. — The injur}', and in severe cases, lameness. 

Treatment. 

Rest. Foment as in "Speedy Cut"; apply the White 
Lotion (page 263) freely. After sore is gone, use pad for some 
time when driving, and shoe as in Speedy Cut to spread action. 

WIND-GALLS. — Joints and tendons, where they rub 
against another part, are furnished with sacs containing a lubri- 
cating fluid called synovia (joint oil). When this sac is over- 
distended at the fetlock by reason of excessive secretion of the 
fluid, it puffs out on each side at the back upper part of the 
joint; the back tendons prevent it from projecting straight, and 
so get the double puff. The condition is commonly called 
"Wind-Galls." It may affect either front of rear limbs. 

Ca7ises. — Are often seen in young, over-grown horses, seem- 
ingly from too much weight for limbs; from heavy work; exces^ 
sive knee action; hard roading. Horses used to start heav}' loads 
on slippery streets are apt to have wind-galls in the hind legs. 

Symptoms. — The lump is more or less tense when foot is on 
the ground, but soft when picked up. They generally come on 
slowly and cause no inconvenience. If caused by excessive strain 
of the joint, they develop rapidl)^ are tense, hot, and cause more 
or less lameness; horse stands with joint flexed; walks with short 
steps, the toe coming to the ground first. 



292 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

The trouble in colts generally disappears after a time without 
treatment. If due to severe strain, rest, and apply a high-heeled 
shoe. Foment with cold water, and rub well twice a day with a 
good liniment; after the acute stage, use the Iodine Ointment. 
In cases of long-standing, nothing can be done, unless there is 
lameness, in which case blister. See "To Blister" under "Ring- 
Bone." 

THICKENING AROUND THE FETLOCK.— 

Causes. — This is generally from hard work, and from strains 
of the joints, interfering, etc., and is often seen in livery horses. 

Treatment. — 

Apply cold fomentations and liniments, with liberal hand- 
rubbing; if these fail, use Iodine Ointment. See treatment 
for "Abscesses" for the ointment. 

BREAK -DOWN— RUPTURE OF THE SUSPEN- 
SORY LIGAMENT.— This ligament extends from the knee 
to the fetlock, between the back tendons and the large cannon, 
bone. This may occur in both the fore and hind legs, and is seen in 
horses of all ages. In old animals, especially hunters, runners 
and trotters, the seat of trouble is nearly always in one or both 
front legs. In horses of heavy draught, the ligaments of the 
hind legs are the ones most affected. 

Symptoms. — When both branches are torn from their attach- 
ments to the sessamoids, or both are torn across, lameness comes 
on suddenly and is most intense ; the fetlock descends, the toe 
turns up, and as the animal attempts to walk, leg has the appear- 
ance of being broken off at the fetlock. These symptoms are 
followed by heat, pain, and swelling of the parts at point of 
injury. In milder cases, fetlock wiU descend only a little, and if 
simply a strain and not a complete rupture, will get symptoms as 
in "Sprain of the Fetlock Joint." * 

Treatment. — 

When rupture has taken place, put the horse in a sling, put a 
large wad of cotton at the back of the pastern and bandage tightly 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 293 

to help keep the part in place; or, better, put a long-heeled 
shoe on, fasten an iron band between the heels, bent the right 
shape and extending up the back of the cannon and fasten it below 
the knee with a strap; put a pad under the end so it will not irri- 
tate the leg. Get the leg up into as nearly a natural position as 
possible. Foment and use liniments as in "Sprains of Back Ten- 
dons;" afterwards blister. Long rest will be necessary to effect 
a cure, and the animal will always be more or less weak. 

SPRAIN OF THE STIFLE JOINT.— A strain of the 
ligaments of the stifle joint. 

Causes. — Slipping is the most common cause, although the 
joint may be injured and inflammation set up in other ways. 

Symptoms. — Animal cannot bring the leg forward, and it is 
very sore when you press around the joint; also swollen the swel- 
ling being more or less puffy. 

Trkatment. — 

Bathe twice a day for an hour or more with hot water and 
vinegar with a little salt in it; after bathing, wipe dry and apply 
any good strong liniment (see back part of book) . If this fails, 
blister (see "To Blister," under "Ring-Bone.") Give long rest, 
and in severe cases give the animal a sling, so he will not have to 
lie down and get up. Much inflammation in this joint is always 
serious. 

DISLOCATION OF THE PATELLA, OR STIFLED. 

— In this case the patella, or knee cap, slips out of the pulley-like 
process in the bone in the front part of the stifle joint, and as 
soon as this slips out, it locks the joint so the animal cannot 
move it. 

Causes. — Dislocation 'is caused by a slip and twist at the same 
time, the weight probably being upon that leg at the time. The 
horse recovers from the slip and finds himself with the leg as far 
back as it can be, having carried the body forward on it, and 
when ready to bring the leg forward he is unable to move it. The 
leg remains extended backwards until help comes to relieve the 
situation. 



294 I'HE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — Are as above described. The other legs move 
all right, but the one remains with foot extending backward in 
one position, as though fastened to the ground. There will be an 
enlargement on the outside of the stifle, as the patella always goes 
outward. 

Treatmknt. — 

In most cases this is simple. Have the horse's head held 
and let some one pull forward on a rope fastened to the pastern 
of the affected leg while the hand is placed against the enlarge- 
ment at the joint and shoved in toward the animal, and forward, as 
hard as possible, until the bone goes into its place, after which 
the animal is put in a single stall, tied so he cannot lie down, and 
the joint rubbed with some good strong liniment twice a day for 
a few days, and then it is generally best to blister the part, 
applying the blister to the outside and inside of the joint; the 
inside blisters easily, however, and does not need much rubbing. 
Use the Spanish Fly blister.. See "To Blister," under "Ring- 
Bone." 

PARTIAL DISLOCATION OF THE STIFLE 
JOINT. — This usually occurs in young foals when running on 
rough grounds, or in colts in the spring, when they are weak, 
but sometimes later in life. 

Symptmns. — At first when noticed, the stifle will slip out 
and the leg will be locked for a few steps, then it will slip in 
with a snap, and he will be all right again. Sometimes there 
will be a catch, as it were, followed by the snap. If allowed to 
go on, the bones will become diseased and weakened, and the 
patella will get part way out and enlarge the groove. The joint 
will get larger than natural, and the horse will never have 
proper action again. 

Treatment. — 

Put the animal in a single stall, tie so he cannot lie down; 
secure foot forward by fastening a strap around the pastern, and 
running a rope from it under a surcingle, and tying to a strap 
about the neck; tie so the leg is kept just a little ahead of the 
other one, and then blister as in the preceding. Keep standing 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 295 

for two or three weeks. A sling can be used to rest the animal. 
Follow with long rest in small enclosure. L,ong-standing cases 
are incurable. 

CRAMP OF THE MUSCLES OF THE THIGH.— 

These are sometimes affected with cramp in hard-worked horses, 
especially old ones. They are often incorrectly diagnosed, being 
mistaken for dislocations of the stifle, and in fact are rarely 
recognized except by an expert. 

Causes. — Very severe exertion, especially if prolonged; mus- 
cles become fatigued, and the nerves in them irritated; then, if 
forced to continue work, cramp is very likely to take place. 
Sometimes horses, when swimming, are seized with cramps. 

Symptoms. — Horse will seem all right, except that he is 
laboring from fatigue, w^hen suddenly one or both legs wull 
cramp, and muscles draw all into knots; a constriction will be 
seen in the hollow of the thigh; point of hock is drawn up, and 
horse crouches with hind parts. Horse is drawn up and unable 
to move. When both legs are affected, horse falls in agony, not 
being able to stand. When one is affected, it is usually drawn 
upward and backward; he is unable to extend it. May pass off 
soon, or last for several hours. 

Treatment. — 

Get hot water as quickly as possible and apply it, bathing 
the parts until muscles relax and leg is let down, when the horse 
walks as well as ever. Then rub dry and apply the following 

liniment : 

Tincture of Arnica 2 ounces. 

Tincture of Opium 2 " 

Aqua Ammonia 2 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Mix, and apply. 

In absence of liniment. Tincture of Camphor, Arnica, or hot 
vinegar, are good. Give patient a few days' rest. 

SPRAIN OF THE MUSCLE ON FRONT OF THE 
HIND LEG, BETWEEN THE HOCK AND STIFLE 
JOINT. — This is a sprain of the what is called the flexor 
metatarsi. 



296 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms — The muscle will be swollen .and sore; in moving 
the horse forward, when he lifts the leg and attempts to bring it 
forward, instead of going forward, it will go backwards and 
upwards. 

Treatment. — 

Keep the horse quiet and treat as for "Sprain of the Back 
Tendons." 

SPRAIN OF THE MUSCLES OF THE INSIDE 
OF THE HIND LEG, RUNNING UP FROM THE 
HOCK.— 

Ca2cses. — From a severe sprain of the leg, by slipping out- 
ward when pulling a heavy load. 

Symptoms. — There is a thickening of the muscles above the 
liock, and the horse will be stiff for a few days; the stiffness will 
soon disappear, but if not treated, there may be a permanent 
thickening. 

Treatment. — 

Let the animal rest from work, and treat as in foregoing. 

BOG SPAVIN. — This is an enlargement, or distension, 
along with inflammation of the synovial membranes of the hock 
joint, partl}^ on the inside and partly on the front. There is an 
excess of joint oil (synovial fluid) secreted, and this bulges out 
the capsular ligament at this part of the joint. 

Causes. — From severe sprain of the joint; from jumping, 
kicking or being kicked; from pricks by forks; or nails in stall 
when horse may be kicking. 

Symptoms. — There will be a large, soft swelling on the front 
and inner side of the hock, just a little above where the enlarge- 
ment for bone spavin occurs. It is of the same character as 
"wind-galls;" seems filled with air, but it is joint oil, or synovia. 
In mild cases there is little lameness, but in bad cases there is 
lameness, resembling that of bone spavin, the animal getting 
better with exercise. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 297 

Treatment. — 

First try fomentation, along with liniment and liberal hand 
rubbing as for "Sprain of the Back Tendons." If this, with rest, 
does not affect a cure in three or four weeks, blister, using 
Spanish Fly and Biniodide of Mercury. (See "To Blister" under 
"Ring-Bone.") If blistering fails, firing may be tried. In many 
cases, treatment is unsuccessful. 

HYDRARTHROSIS.— A condition affecting the hocks of 
large, over-grown colts, the appearance of which is the same as 
bog spavin, except there is no lameness; there is the same 
puffy enlargement on the inner front aspect of the hock. The 
enlargement generally disappears as the animal reaches maturity; 
if treated at all, use only some mild liniment, as equal parts of 
Soap Liniment and Witch Hazel, with lots of hand rubbing. Do 
not break colt until fully matured. Never use more severe treat- 
ment unless lameness develops, and then treat as for "Bog 
Spavin." 

THOROUGHPIN.— This is of the same nature as bog 
spavin — a distension of the synovial bursa — but is found in the 
back part of the hock. 

Cazises. — It is produced by many of the same causes that 
produce bog spavin; is most often seen in horses that do hard 
work, as draft, hack, and stage horses, and those of general 
utility. It is often seen in stallions, from weight thrown on hind 
legs, and in colts that are large and heavy for their age. 

Symptoms. — There are two puffs, one on each side of the 
hock, at the bottom of the depression in front of the point of the 
hock. If one is pressed against, the one on the other side 
becomes larger, and if there is bog spavin, as there frequently is, 
if the puff in front is pressed against, both the thoroughpin 
enlargements will increase in size, showing that a thoroughpin 
and bog spavin affect the same synovial sac, but at a different 
place. When lameness is present it is the same as in bog spavin. 



298 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

The same as for "Bog Spavin." When the puffs appear in 
young, rapid-growing colts treat as for "Hydrarthrosis," under 
"Bog Spavin." 

CAPPED HOCK.— The point of the hock is liable to 
injur}^ giving rise to swellings of the nature of a tumor. It is 
filled with a watery fluid, slightly tinged with blood. If not 
emptied and properly treated they become calloused and changed 
into a solid, fibrous mass in a month or so. The callous on the 
hock never gets so large as on the elbow, but it is just as hard 
and unsightly, and far more noticable. 

Causes. — By kicking either in stall or in harness; by sitting 
on haunches in getting up; sometimes by runaways; or by 
being struck by timber falling on the hocks, or by the breaking 
of an evener. 

Symptoms. — The points of the hocks are found to be much 
swollen; hot and sore to the touch if examined soon after the 
injury; later the enlargement becomes puffy like a sac of water, 
caused by a serous fluid collecting under the skin; occasionally 
the fluid is synovia. Sometimes the enlargement is hard and 
firm. 

Treatment. — 

In the early stages fasten a folded blanket about the hock 
and keep wet with cold water; keep on throughout the day and 
bathe well night and morning with White I^otion (page 263); 
after the acute symptoms have abated, use the Iodine Ointment, 
as recommended under "Abscesses." If this treatment fails and 
a fluid collects, open at the bottom and treat as an "Abscess." 
Use the Cocaine solution in opening (see Operations). 
After opening, inject a little Tincture of Iodine, and flush out 
once a day with Carbolic Lotion. If proud flesh forms at the 
opening, use Sulphate of Zinc on it. Use the cold fomentations 
after opening, to keep down the swelling, and afterward use 
the Iodine Ointment to remove any thickening. 

SPRAIN OF THE HOCK JOINT.— 

Causes. — Severe slipping, or by getting the foot caught. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 299 

Symptoms. — Horse is very lame, and keeps the hock stiff in 
bringing the leg forward. There is swelling and heat around 
the joint. 

Treatment. — 

Foment the hock during the day with hot or cold water, by 
wrapping a folded blanket about the hock and keeping it wet. 
Night and morning apply some good liniment. I^ater, if lame- 
ness still continues, blister. Spavin is quite apt to develop; if so, 
treat as under "Spavin." 

FRACTURE OF THE BONES OF THE HOCK.— 

Fractures of the bones of the hock are not very common. 

Symptoms. — Horse will be very lame; will hold up leg with 
pain; joint will become swollen and sore to touch, and by manip- 
ulation the grating of the bones may be heard. 

Treatment. — 

If very bad, there is no remedy, and horse had better be 
killed. If horse is young and break is not bad, and confined to 
small bones in the lower part, put him in a sling, with just pres- 
sure enough on the belly to ease the weight on the legs, and 
apply a splint if necessary (see " Fractures"). If the splint is 
not necessary, use fomentations to keep down part of the inflam- 
mation; after five or six weeks, blister as for "Spavin," and 
repeat if necessary. 

BLOOD SPAVIN.— This is the enlargement of a vein 
which passes over the front of the hock. The symptom is the 
enlargement fading above and below into the vein. Do not 
attempt to treat. 

OPEN JOINT. — This is one of the serious injuries that 
horse-flesh is subject to, and it is not uncommon. 

Causes. — Cuts, bruises, pricks from nails, from a fork in 
handling manure and bedding, falling on the road, and kicks 
from other horses, are common causes. 

Symptoms. — There is the wound, lameness, swelling around 
the injured joint, and leaking from the puncture of an oily- 
looking fluid, which is the synovia, or joint oil. In some 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



cases the flow of synovia is so slight it cannot be detected; in 
such cases apply a poultice, leaving it on twelve hours, and upon 
taking it off the synovia can be seen on the poultice, if the joint 
was open. The synovia is yellowish, as thick as the white of an 
egg, and slippery feeling. 

Treatment. — 

Put the horse in a sling to help keep the joint quiet. If the 
wound is large, first clean by pouring water over it, and then 
pour over it Carbolic Acid solution, but do not inject into it; if 
stitches are necessary, put them in, but do not sew up tight; 
stiffen the joint with a splint and apply a poultice at night, and 
keep on, during the day, heavy clean bandages wet wath cold water; 
at night bathe the joint well with White Lotion (page 263), and 
in the morning bathe well with a lotion composed of equal parts 
of Witch Hazel and Soap Liniment. If the edges of the wound 
commence to look red and angry, dust on a little burned Alum. 
Continue treatment until after the opening closes and the discharge 
stops; after this, continue the cold fomentations and rub well with 
a strong liniment. If the lameness continues, blister, using the 
Spanish Fly and Mercury blister (see "To Blister," under "Ring- 
Bone"). Do not attempt to close the opening into the joint 
quickly; let it close gradually. Internally give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Aconite i drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed.... ^ ounce. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, two a three times a 
day. 

Depending upon the amount of fever; give for a week, dis- 
continue for a few days, and then give again if necessary. Feed 
on laxative diet, giving a handful or two of Linseed meal three 
times a day, and grass if in season. If the appetite keeps good, 
temperature remains near normal, joint does not swell badly, and 
limb is held quiet, the symptoms are favorable; if, however, 
appetite is lost, fever high, limb badly swollen, and limb kept 
swinging, the symptoms are unfavorable, and treatment needs to 
be applied more vigorously, if possible; in the later case death is 
apt to follow. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 301 

CURB. — This is a strain and an enlargement of a ligament 
on the back of the hock a little below the point. It is seen in 
the form of a bowed section, about four inches in length; some- 
times it is swollen up as thick as an inch from the healthy form, 
and at other times it is hardly noticeable. When in the inflam- 
matory stage the disease causes lameness, but when the swelling 
is once hardened it seldom does. It is most commonly seen in 
sickle or cow-hocked horses. 

Causes. — A sprain of the ligament at the back part of the 
hock; by getting the hind feet too far under the body; stopping 
suddenly and feet slipping under; rearing; backing heavy loads, etc. 

Symptoms. — Standing at the side of the horse and opposite 
the hind parts, and looking across the legs, you will notice a 
curve on the back and lower portion of the hock, instead of a 
straight line as in a healthy leg, from the point of the hock to 
the fetlock. In recent cases there is lameness, heat, soreness 
to touch, and, like all sprains, it grows worse with exercise. In 
moving, the horse strikes the toe to the ground first. 

Treatment. — 

If near a blacksmith shop, have a high-heeled shoe put on; 
then wrap the joint in a folded blanket and keep it wet with cold 
water, applying fresh water every half hour; once a day bathe 
freely with White L,otion (page 263), and once with a lotion 
composed of equal parts of Witch Hazel and Soap Liniment; 
continue until lameness subsides, and then use Iodine Ointment 
to help in removing the enlargement (see under "Abscesses"). 
If the above fails to effect a cure, blister, using the Spanish Fly 
and Mercury blister. (See "To Blister" under "Ring-Bone.") 

CUTTING THE BACK TENDONS.— The back ten- 
dons of the hind leg are sometimes cut by the horse backing up 
onto something sharp, as mower knives, scj'the, corn-cutter, etc. 

Symptoms. — The appearance; a wound in the back of the leg 
between hock and fetlock, and if both tendons are cut the fetlock 
descends so that the horse walks on the back of the pastern ; and 
upon examining the wound the separated ends of the cut tendon 
can be seen. 



302 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 



Treatment, — 

Bind a large wad of some material on the back of the pastern 
to keep it from going down so far, and get the animal to the 
stable; then put on the long-heeled shoe, and attach an iron to 
extend up the back of the leg, as with "Break Down." The leg 
must be supported in its natural position, so that the cut ends of the 
tendon will come close together, otherwise, when they unite, they 
will be too long, and the fetlock will go down too low; dress the 
wound with White Lotion (page 263) and the Carbolic solution. 
Bandage it loosely, but in putting bandage on and taking it off, do 
so gently, so as not to disturb the tendons. If proud flesh starts to 
form, keep it down with burned Alum or Sulphate of Zinc. Put 
the horse in a sling at once, and keep him there until the part is 
entirely healed and strong, which will take from six weeks to two 
months. Feed on light, laxative food. If the limb seems to be 
weak after the parts have healed, apply a mild blister. 

RUPTURE OF THE MUSCLES.— 

Causes. — Muscles are sometimes ruptured across the fibres by 
over exertion, severe sprains, etc. 

Symptmyis. — Great lameness is noticed as an early symptom. 
Swelling, heat and soreness follow in from two to six hours after 
an injury. There is unwillingness, amounting to inability, to 
move the affected part. When inflammation has subsided and 
swelling is gone, there will be a depression in the muscle at the 
seat of injury. 

Treatment. — 

During the active inflammation, apply hot fomentations as 
continuously as possible, and also apply, three times a day, the 
following anodyne lotion: 

Soap Iviniment 4 ounces. 

Tincture of Arnica 3 " 

Tincture of Opium 3 " 

Witch Hazel to make i pint. 

When inflammation has gone and the muscle depression is 
formed, apply strong liniments or a blister, as for "Sweeny." 




H 
O 
O 

o 



o 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 303 

ATROPHY OF THE MUSCLES.— This is a wasting 
away, or shrinking, of a muscle or gioup of muscles, leaving a 
flattened or hollow surface in the place of the normal fullness. 

Catises. — Sprains, strains, bruises, severe pressure, are prin- 
cipal causes. Inaction of a muscle will also produce it. 

Symptoms. — A flattened or hollow place will be found in the 
place of the muscle. Compare with corresponding muscle of the 
other side, and the difference is easily detected. 

Treatment. — 

Treat with strong liniments, friction, blisters, and seton, if 
necessary, as recommended under "Sweeny." It is an atrophy 
of the muscles which has to be overcome in that disease. 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



QUITTOR. — This is the name given to a disease of the 
foot, when the festering of any sore works up through, and 
breaks out on top of the foot at the junction of the hair. 

Causes. — It is usuallj^ the result of a neglected corn, prick of 
a nail, gravel getting into nail-hole, or a severe, poorly cared for 
wound at the top of the hoof, working downward. 

Symptoms. — It usually occurs on the quarters, anywhere from 
the heels to two or three inches forward, but is oftener seen on 
the inner quarter, because most corns are found there. After 
horse has been lame some time, it makes its appearance by swel- 
ling at the coronet, which may reach the size of a hen's ^<g%. In 
the course of a day or two it breaks and discharges matter, when 
horse will be relieved of some of the pain, which is intense during 
the formative period. Sometimes foot can scarcely be put on the 
floor, and may be paining most of the time. When the sore has 
been discharging two or three da5'S, the flesh around opening will 
turn purple and soft, and the matter will spread, extending each 



304 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



way, but more toward the front. In a couple of weeks, pipes will 
have formed, pointing downward in all directions, having one 
common center in the opening at the top. If let alone, the walls 
of the pipes will thicken and harden, and enlargement at the top 
increase in size. If allowed to run for three months, the foot be- 
comes so full of pipes and so large, hot, and painful, as to require 
very persistent treatment to stop disease, and it can never be re- 
duced to natural size again. In extreme cases lameness is per- 
manent, the toe turns up, and horse walks on his heel. 

Treatment. — 

If taken as soon as it breaks open at the top, poultice the 
foot for twenty-four hours to soften the parts. Then give the 
diseased part vent at the bottom to allow matter to run out if it 
will; but if none is found at the bottom, do not cut hoof to make 
it bleed, as that would only make another sore. Open freely at 
top and probe with a smooth probe to find depth and direction of 
hole. Then follow the probe with a knife, and open right out 
and down the hoof, as far as the hole goes, taking out a V-shaped 
piece of the wall to allow escape at the bottom, instead of making 
it come out of the top. Then sponge out with warm water to 
cleanse it, and follow with a lotion made as follows. 

Sulphate of Copper 2 drachms. 

Water y^ pint. 

Mix, and inject well down into the wound. 

Also flush out twice a day with the Carbolic lotion. If after 
a week the wound does not appear to be doing well, change the 
Copper lotion to the following: 

Sulphate of Zinc 3 drachms. 

Water ^ pint. 

Mix. 

See that the opening is down at the bottom all the time to 
let the matter out. Foment or tub the foot the most of each day, 
and poultice part of the time at night. Keep the shoe off until 
the foot is well enough to work; then put on a bar shoe to pro- 
tect the weak quarter. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 305 

In very bad cases, where several pipes are running in as 
many directions, it is absolutely necessary to open each one fear- 
lessly. Then go on with lotions as above, and change occasion- 
ally to the following: 

Corrosive Sublimate 15 grains. 

Water i pint. 

Mix, and inject. 

In long continued treatment it is advisable to change the 
lotions every week. On account of inflammation, foot will grow 
faster, and it should be pared down occasionally. When discharge 
is dried up and disease cured, apply Iodine Ointment to the 
enlargement to reduce it (see "Abscesses"). It is also well in 
some cases to apply a blister. (See "To Blister," under "Ring- 
Bone.") 

SEEDY TOE. — This is a dry, mealy condition of the wall 
of the toe. 

Catises. — By bruising of the toe, by the clip of shoe being 
pounded into toe too tightly; the bruised parts take on a sort of 
dry rot, or gangrene, which extends up between the wall and the 
laminae. It may occur at other parts of the foot than the toe, 
from various causes. It is a separation of the two layers of horn 
which compose the crust of the hoof, resulting from disease due 
to bruises or faulty condition of the body. 

Sy?upfoms. ir-When shoe is removed, a mealy, whitish-looking 
substance will be seen immediately under the wall, at the toe^ 
running up toward the hair, sometimes an inch or so, and may 
be picked or broken down easily with a nail, leaving a hollow 
beneath the shell. 

Treatment. — 

Pare away the wall at the toe, after removing the shoe, so 
as to take the bearing therefrom. Pick out all the mealy sub- 
stance that breaks down easily, and turn in warm tar and press 
in a little wad of tow. Replace the shoe, and apply a mild 
Spanish Fly blister to the coronet. (See "To Blister," under 
"Ring Bone.") 



3o6 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

CONTRACTIONS OF THE FOOT.- This is most 
always the effect of some other disease, especially when bad, such 
as navicular disease, corns, sprains of the tendons, ligaments and 
muscles of the legs or shoulders. Any long-standing lameness is 
always attended with more or less contraction of that foot which 
is favored. It may also be the result of bad management in the 
stable or blacksmith shop. Leaving shoes on for six, eight or 
twelve weeks is a prolific cause of the trouble, as is allowing the 
feet to become very dry by standing on a plank floor too much of 
the time. 

Sympto77is. — The horse is lame; if it accompanies some other 
disease, the lameness will be characteristic of that disease, and 
there will also be a contraction of the foot, especially at the heels. 
The hoof will also be hard and dry. If the result of poor care of 
the feet, and both are affected, the action will be stilty, striking 
the toes to the ground first, and there will be the narrow heels 
and dry, hard hoofs. 

Treatment. — 

If the shoes have been on a long time, have them removed 
and the feet dressed as for shoeing, but do not cut them too much; 
then soften up the feet by fomenting, tubbing, or standing in a 
clay puddle (see Operations). The clay puddle is perhaps the 
best. After the feet are well softened, have the horse shod with 
bar shoes, giving quite a little frog pressure and leaving out the 
heel nails in nailing the shoe on; continue the fomenting, allow- 
ing him to stand in the water or puddle two or three hours each 
day. Turning in a low pasture is also good. After the bar 
shoes are put on, the animal may be given slow work. After the 
above treatment has been continued for two months, if there is 
still lameness that is not improving, apply a Spanish Fly blister 
to the pastern from hoof to fetlock. (See "To Blister," under 
"Ring- Bone.") 

GRAVEL IN THE FOOT.— 

Causes.— QiX^v^X is apt to work up into any sore in the foot, 
and cause much trouble. It may get into a corn, or a nail hole 
made in shoeing, or by one picked up on the road getting under 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 307 

the shoe and working up through the foot. It may get into the 
quarter crack, calks, or in other wounds, and it always causes 
increased inflammation, by aggravating existing affection. 

Symptoms. — There is lameness, oftentimes very severe, for 
which there seems to be no cause; by removing the shoe and 
examining the foot carefully, may find where gravel entered. 
After a time there appears a swelling at the coronet. It is very 
sore, gets larger and finally breaks, allowing gravel to escape. 
The lameness improves rapidly, often times entirely disappearing 
in a few days. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as gravel is suspected, poultice the foot, continuously, 
changing morning and night; this hastens the removal of the 
gravel; soon after the enlargement appears at the coronet it may 
be opened and the process hastened somewhat. After the gravel 
escapes treat the wound as for "Calking," continue the poultice 
for two or three days, and keep the hole well flushed out. If 
poorly cared for, a quittor is apt to form. 

CANKER IN THE FOOT.— Canker of the foot is a 
disease due to the rapid reproduction of a vegetable parasite. It 
not only destroys the sole and frog, but by setting up a chronic 
inflammation in the deeper tissues, prevents the growth of 
healthy horn by which the injury might be repaired. Heavy 
cart horses are more affected than any other class. 

Causes. — The essential element in the production of cankers 
is, of course, the presence of the parasite; consequently the dis- 
ease may be called contagious. But as in all diseases due to 
specific causes, a suitable soil must be found in which to grow, 
before they can be reproduced. Dampness is a favorable con- 
dition. Filthy stables; muddy roads; and injuries to the feet 
that expose the soft tissues, are predisposing causes. 

Symptmns. — Usually canker attacks one foot; it may attack 
two, three, or all of the feet at once; or, as is more commonly 
seen, the disease attacks first one, and then another, until all 
may have been successively affected. When disease follows injury 
which has exposed the soft tissues of the foot, the wound does 



3o8 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

not heal, but instead there is secreted a thin, watery discharge 
from inflamed part, which undermines and destroys the surround- 
ing horn, until a large part of sole and frog are diseased. The 
living tissues are swollen, dark-colored, and covered at points 
with new, soft, yellowish, thready horn, which is constantly 
soaked in the abundant secretions. As this secretion escapes to 
surrounding parts, it dries and forms small, cheesy masses, com- 
posed in part of the partly dried horny matter, exceedingly 
offensive to smell. When disease results independent of injury, 
the first evidences are the offensive smell, the liquid secretion 
from cleft and sides of the frog, and the rotting away of the horn 
of frog and sole. 

Treatment. — 

First clean the foot with warm water, and then apply a 
poultice containing either a handful of charcoal, or a tablespoon- 
ful of Carbolic Acid. The diseased portions of horn are now to 
be carefully removed with sharp instruments until only healthy 
horn borders the parts. Pare edges of sound horn thin, so that 
the swollen, soft tissues may not overlap their borders. Cut off 
all prominent points of the soft tissues, shorten the walls of the 
foot, and nail on a broad, plain shoe. Give the newly shod foot 
a bath for an hour or two a day in a solution made by adding 
2 ounces of Sulphate of Iron to a gallon of water. Also use 
freely the Carbolic Acid lotion, and White Lotion (page 263). 
Saturate cloths with the solutions and bind them onto the 
affected part. Change dressings once a day, or even twice a day 
at first. When they are removed, all pieces of horny matter, 
which are now firmly adherent, must be rubbed off with the 
finger, or a piece of cloth. As secretions diminish, dry powders 
may prove an advantage, such as Calomel, Sulphate of Iron, 
Sulphate of Copper, etc. The sulphates must not be used pure, 
but with animal charcoal in the proportion of i part of the 
sulphate to 8 parts of charcoal. When soft tissues are all horned 
over, the dressings should be continued for a time, weak solutions 
being used, to prevent recurrence of the disease. If patient is 
run down in condition, give the tonic as recommended for ' 'Chronic 
Indigestion." 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 309 

ACUTE FOUNDER.— This is an inflammation of the 
sensitive part of the foot, or what is commonly called the 
"quick," 

Causes. — It may be caused by overwork, in which the feet 
are pounded and bruised, causing inflammation of the laminae, 
or leaves; inflammation may leave some other part of the body 
and go to the feet by a peculiar transference called metastasis, as 
in congestion of the lungs, pleurisy, colic, inflammation of the 
bowels following parturition, etc. Drinking cold water when 
warm, or standing in a draft when heated, will cause it Some- 
times a feeding of wheat will cause indigestion and then turn to 
a bad case of founder. Over eating of wheat or corn is a very com- 
mon cause. Hard driving on dry roads when shoes are poor, or 
poor shoeing, may also cause it. Flat feet are predisposed to the 
disease. 

Syinptoms. — The acute form is easily recognized by the horse 
being in great pain, persistentl}' standing in one place, as if riveted 
there, it being almost impossible to make him move in any direc- 
tion, especially backward. He stands with front feet out in front 
throwing weight on heels, hind feet drawn well up under him. 
He absolutely cannot back, but will hang the body back, throwing 
most of the weight on the hind legs and stretching the fore legs as 
far forward as he can. If he tries to lift a foot it causes so much 
pain in the other one that he ceases trying, and acts as though the 
foot were fast on the floor. The pulse is quickened, temperature 
raised, mucous membranes become red and injected, breathing 
quickened, may sweat profusely, will not lie down, and appetite is 
more or less lost. The striking symptom is inability to back; if 
an effort is made to force animal back, the body will incline back- 
ward without foot motion. When exhausted from standing, 
horse will drop, and will lie down most of time afterward, often- 
times absolutely refusing to get up. The inflammation is followed 
by an effusion of water which separates the leaves or laminae of the 
' 'quick' ' from the horny part, forcing the toe of the foot downward, 
forming pumiced foot if it is not attended to (see "Pumiced Foot' ' ) . 
Sometimes the inflammation goes on to suppuration. Matter forms 
and extends around the hoofs, and may cause them to drop off in 



3IO THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

very severe cases. If the case is not properly treated, it becomes 
incurable, forming what might be called chronic, acute founder. 
The animal presents a pitiable sight. He goes hobbling along 
with his front feet well out in front of him, keeping the weight 
on his heels, his hind feet drawn up under him; the sole of the 
hoof is pushed down, the toes become long and turn up, and there 
are rough ridges running crosswise of the wall. Acute founder 
is one of the most painful conditions the horse is subject to. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment should be prompt and vigorous, in which case 
the majority of the cases recover. It is both local and internal. 
Locally, wrap the feet in large blankets and keep wet with cold 
water, applying the water every fifteen to thirty minutes; where it 
is possible the feet may be tubbed (see Operations) , but it is 
often impossible to get the animal into the tub. Keep up the 
fomentation continuously throughout the day; at night can 
change to poultice if it is possible to get the feet up to apply the 
poultice; if not, keep up the fomentations well into the night, 
and continue them until all inflammation is gone and the lame- 
ness subsides. After he is somewhat improved, use the clay 
puddle part of the time. If the horse persists in standing, give 
him a sling, unless he should lie in it too heavily, in which 
case it will have to be taken away. If he lies down, keep the 
fomentations on the same, and roll him over three or four times a 
day, and keep him lying upon his chest part of the time at 
least. After being down for two or three days, best try to get 
him onto his feet for a little while. The local treatment is very 
important. Remove the shoes as soon as it is possible to do so. 

Internally, if from any of the causes except following colic 
or inflammation of the intestines, give a purgative (6 drachms of 
Aloes, or ^ pound of Epsom Salts); repeat the third day, using a 
smaller dose, if the bowels do not move freely. If following colic, 
give from a pint to a quart of raw Linseed Oil. Feed a light 
laxative diet, and grass if in season; if not, a little hay, scalded 
oats, bran mash, and a handful or two of Linseed meal at a feed. 
Give water frequently; also give the following: 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 311 



Fluid Extract of Aconite i drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed.... Yz ounce. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, five times between 
5 o'clock A. M. and midnight. 

After improvement commences, give four times a day, and later 
three times a day. After two or three days, leave the Fluid Extract 
of Aconite out of the prescription and put into the prescription in 
its place, 3 drachms of the Fluid Extract of Digitalis. After im- 
provement is well started, withhold the internal treatment for 
two or three days, and then give again for a few days. After 
three or four weeks, if there is still some lameness, blister the 
pastern from hoof to fetlock, using Spanish Fly blister, (See "To 
Blister" under " Ring-Bone.") Blister only one at a time. 

Where the case has been allowed to run, and this acute form 
becomes chronic, treat as for "Pumiced Foot." Also use the 
rubber cushion pad when shoeing. 

SORE FEET (CHRONIC FOUNDER.)— This is a 
form of founder, when it has been of long-standing; has become 
a part of the organized system, but is not attended with fever, 
other than slight local heat. 

Causes. — Hard work, especially driving on hard roads; bad 
shoeing, letting the shoe rest too much on the sole; standing on a 
dry floor, and letting feet become hard, dry, and contracted. 
Flat feet are predisposed to the affection. 

Symptams. — Are a modification of the acute form. In bad 
cases there is difficult backing, lameness, pointing of the feet, 
first one and then the other; horse will go off with a shambling 
gait, as though the legs were all stiff, keeping the feet well out 
in front, throwing the weight on the heels, giving chest the 
appearance of being drawn in. Some make the mistake of 
thinking the chest is foundered. Shoes will be worn off at the 
heels, and when pointing them he will extend the feet and rest 
them on the heel, turning up toes as much as possible. Horses 
with this disease will choose the soft parts of the road. Hoofs 



312 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

will feel hot all the time, and there will be uneven growth of 
hoof, forming rings. Foot becomes much contracted, and hoofs 
brittle. Is worse on hard ground, and much worse going down 
hill. Drags the front feet in backing, pulling the straw from 
the stall in backing out. While the horse will warm up some 
after starting, a long drive always makes him much worse 
for a few days afterward. In turning around short, horse steps 
one front foot over the other in a peculiar and awkward manner. 

Treatment. — 

If long-standing, the treatment is generally not very satisfac- 
tory. The first thing is to rest and soften the feet; to do this 
tub or stand in the clay puddle (see Operations). Keep the 
horse in these at least one-half of each day;" if a mild case and 
horse is worked some, put him in an hour or two in the morning, 
at noon, and again in the evening. Turning into a low pasture 
is good; avoid hard roads and keep on soft ground as much as 
possible. Keep off from dry, plank floors. Shoe with a bar shoe, 
and if flat-footed use a wide web, covering a good part of the sole, 
but have the upper surface of the web beveled so as not to press 
on the sole, or use the rubber cushion pad in shoeing. If this 
treatment fails, blister the pastern as in "Acute Founder." 

FLAT FEET AND LOW HEELS.— While this is not 
a disease it is a conformation which is very subject to disease, 
and in order to prevent the various diseases to which such feet are 
subject, careful shoeing is necessary. Do not leave the shoes on 
too long without setting; not over four weeks, and in some cases 
they should be set oftener. Use a bar shoe, giving a good degree 
of frog pressure; have the upper surface of the web beveled so it 
will not press upon the sole. The rubber pad is good for this 
class of feet. 

SHOEING. — While whole books are written upon this 
subject, we simply wish to call attention to a few points. In 
preparing the foot for the shoe, do not cut too much. If a shoe 
has been removed, cut away what has been prevented from wear- 
ing away. Cut from the frog only the loose, ragged pieces. The 
sides of the bars should not be cut at all; the lower edge can be 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 313 

taken off a little if it has grown well down; from the sole remove 
only that which has scaled up and partially separated, and 
remove enough from the lower border of the wall to bring it even 
with the sole; be sure this border of the wall is level. Be careful 
about cutting down the heels too much, they need to be left 
strong. Never "open up the heels," as the blacksmith calls it, 
which is simply cutting away parts of the bars and frog-struct- 
ures that should be left strong. Do not keep a hot shoe against 
the hoof for any length of time. In summer, shoe road horses, 
especially in front, with plates — shoes without calks. Shoes 
should be set every month or six weeks, depending somewhat on 
the shape of the foot. It is a good plan to let farm horses which 
do not go on the road much, go barefooted for awhile each spring; 
and some horses with good feet, and on clay or sandy farms, can 
go without shoes all summer. The feet should be trimmed occa- 
sionally, however, and kept in good shape. In shoeing, the front 
of the hoof should never be rasped above the nail clinches. 

PUMICED FOOT.— This disease is generally the result 
of acute founder when disease has been allowed to run too long. 
When inflammation in the feet is allowed to run on several days 
before treatment is applied, the connection between the sensitive 
and insensitive laminae, or leaves, is destroyed by the effusion 
that soaks them apart, letting the toe of the bone tip onto the 
sole, pushing it down to the ground, and making the lower sur- 
face convex, instead of concave as it should be. In some cases 
the bone will punch quite through. 

Symptoms. — Take up the foot, and instead of seeing a nice, 
cup-shaped sole, it will be found bulged down toward the ground, 
making it oval the wrong way. If bone is punching through, it 
wall be seen, and will leave no doubt as to what it is. Horse 
will be lame, with all characteristics of chronic founder. 

Treatment. — 

Nothing can be done to cure the disease. Horse will be worth 
nothing for road work, but he may be made to work pretty well 
on the farm, at slow work by blistering him around the tops of 
the hoofs as in chronic founder. Then turn him out for some time 



314 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

with a wide-webbed bar shoe, well calked up, and have it well 
beveled, so he will not have to bear any weight on the sole of the 
foot; have the whole weight come on the wall, and also have the 
shoes set regular about once a month. Keep the animal standing in 
a moist place. In very bad cases the animal should be destroyed. 

CORNS. — Corns generally affect the front feet, but may be 
found on all; are also found most on inside heel of front feet, but 
may be on outside heel. 

Causes. — Horses with weak, flat heels are most subject to 
them, and they are usually brought on by bad shoeing, the shoe 
resting too heavy on the heel and bruising the sole between the 
bar and quarter of the wall. Driving on hard roads has a tendency 
to bring on corns; steady driving will also cause them; neglect 
on the part of the owner to. have shoes set often enough is a com- 
mon cause, the foot growing out over the shoe. 

Symptmns. — Lameness appears, slight perhaps at first, but 
growing worse. Horse will show inclination to favor sore quar- 
ter, and shoe is not worn as much on that heel; heat will some- 
times be noticed in sore quarter if hand is applied to foot. Tap- 
ping with a hammer will make horse flinch when sore part is 
reached, and he will thrust foot forward, resting on the toe and 
raising heel from the ground. If on both feet, he will point 
first one, then the other. If corns are small and not very sore, 
he will go better after getting warmed up, but after a rest will be 
as bad, or worse, than before. When festered there is great lame- 
ness, and he will hardly touch heel to the ground, moving only 
with great reluctance. When the shoe is removed and the horny 
sole at the quarter cut away, a purple spot is found just before 
reaching the sensitive sole, in the angle between the wall and bar, 
near the heel. 

Treatment. — 

Remove the shoe, pare out the sole of the quarter well, but do 
not cut quite through to sensitive sole unless there is pus, in 
which case let it out; the thinning of the sole relieves the pres- 
sure; then put foot in a Linseed poultice made up soft with hot 
water. Leave it on twenty-four hours, then renew it While 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 315 

poultice is off, examine to see if foot needs any more paring; if 
pus has formed a deep hole, you will need to cut hoof away to 
allow matter to escape freely; if not well done, it will work up 
through the top of the hoof. If cut through to allow escape of 
pus, before renewing poultice, pour into the opening a little Car- 
bolic Acid solution, and White Lotion (page 263). Repeat dres- 
sing once a day until all the soreness is gone, and the horse will 
stand on the foot as well as ever; then stop poulticing. If a 
proud- flesh-like growth starts to grow from wound, dust into it 
burned Alum or Sulphate of Zinc. The hoof pared away will 
soon grow again. The foot may be tubbed in place of the 
poultice (see " Founder"). When drj^ and horse walks sound 
on the foot, put a bar on the shoe to protect the weak quarter, 
giving frog a gentle pressture. Keep the wound clean until it 
fills in with horn. When shoeing afterward, avoid too heavy 
bearing on the heels. When quarter has grown out and is 
strong, the bar shoe may be replaced with an open one. If the 
foot is much contracted, take the bearing off the quarters by 
reducing the walls a little, so as to have the appearance of the 
shoe having been sprung off the heels, but let the shoe be per- 
fectly level, and give quite heavy frog pressure. 

A foot that is inclined to have corns should be shod often — 
every three or four weeks — and the quarters cleaned out each 
time. The bar-shoe may have to be used continuously. Extra 
care will have to be taken of feet that have had corns, to keep 
them soft. Soak them in a tub of either cold or warm water, or 
pack the hoof with Linseed meal or Oil Cake meal, wet up with 
warm water. If there is fever in the feet, put on swabs, made of 
felt or pieces of old blanket or woolen cloth, folded under the 
foot and tied around the pastern, wetting often with hot or cold 
water. 

THRUSH IN THE FEET.— Thrush is the name given 
to a disease of the frog. It is an inflammation and ulceration of 
the frog, attended with a very offensive discharge. In some 
cases the insensitive frog rots completely off, and the disease 
extends down into the cleft. 



3i6 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Cazcses. — The most common cause is the filthy condition of 
stables in which animal is kept. Mares are more apt to contract 
the disease in the hind feet when from this cause, while geldings 
and stallions are most apt to have it in the fore feet. Hard work 
on rough, stony roads; change from dryness to excessive moist- 
ure; muddy streets where mineral substances are plentiful; and 
some diseases such as contracted heels, scratches, and navicular 
disease predispose to thrush. An unthrifty condition of the sys- 
tem predisposes to it. 

Symptoms. — At first there is simply increased moisture in the 
cleft of the frog, accompanied by an offensive smell. After a 
time a considerable discharge takes place — thin, watery, and 
highly offensive — changing gradually to a thicker, pus-like mat- 
ter, which rapidly destroys the horn of the frog. As the disease 
advances, the horse becomes lame and the inflammation may 
extend to the back part of the heels. In bad cases the pus 
collects and separates the insensitive frog from the sensitive one 
underneath. 

Treatment. — 

Keep horse out of wet and dirt, and keep the stable clean. 
Trim off all the ragged parts of the frog, clean out holes and crev- 
ices and cut away any horny frog that has separated; then poultice 
a day or two with Linseed meal, using a Cai-bolic Acid solution for 
making the poultice, and add a handful of charcoal. Then clean 
the cleft of frog and grooves on edges, and fill them with dry 
Calomel, using a case knife or some instrument to see that all 
places are well filled. If discharge is profuse, repeat daily, 
otherwise let a day intervene between application. Continue 
until all discharge ceases. If horny frog is removed, protect 
until a new one is formed by fastening cloth under the bottom of 
the foot. In bad cases give internallj' a laxative and also a tea- 
spoonful of Saltpeter three times a day. 

NAILS IN THE FEET ; PUNCTURES.— 

Causes. — May come from driving a nail against the quick 
when shoeing; or a nail may be picked up in the street. It is 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 317 



often done by stepping on a board containing a nail, which often 
pulls out as horse steps off, or the nail may be broken and left 
inside. 

Symptoms. — Sudden lameness denotes that something is 
wrong. Examine the sole of the foot, and if necessary pull off 
the shoe. If a shoe nail has punctured the quick, it will be moist 
and black. If a nail is found anywhere in the foot, pull out care- 
fully so as not to break it off. Should it break off, pare away the 
hoof around it, get hold with nippers and pull it out. If the nail 
was in a board and pulled out when the foot was lifted, by care- 
fully examining the hole may be found. The lameness will 
accord with amount of injury; if the tendon that plays over 
the navicular joint is pierced, it will be great, long-continued and 
sometimes permanent. In manj^ cases there is high fever, great 
pain, restlessness, blowing, redness of eyes, and horse will not lie 
down. Will paw or continuously raise the feet. Sometimes loss 
of appetite; flanks tucked up, and great pain is evidenced, 
especially if wound is in hind foot, and more so still if navicular 
joint is punctured. In latter case there will be a discharge of 
joint oil, which clots like blood after running out. When dress- 
ing, amber-colored matter is found on poultice. In bad cases, leg 
swells even to body. There is great heat in foot and leg, and 
pain is shown if foot is tapped. There will be a swelling, hard 
and hot, in hollow of pastern and around heels, with much tend- 
erness to touch. Cases in which the joint is not wounded may 
become serious if wound is not properly treated. 

Treatment. — 

When shoe is taken off and puncture is found, pare away the 
horn for some distance around the opening, and at the point 
where the nail entered, open to the quick ; this will remove 
pressure when it swells. Then turn in a small quantity of 
strong Carbolic solution — i of Acid to 20 of water. Now 
put the foot in a poultice of Linseed meal; change once a 
day and examine the wound each time to see that any matter 
that forms can escape. Or, instead of the poultice, the foot may 
be tubbed, or they may be alternated. (See "Founder" for 
tubbing) . In mild cases, wounds will get well soon, lameness will 



3i8 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

disappear, and horse can be shod and used. If a bad case and 
much matter forms, it will extend under the hoof and spread. 
In order to prevent this, it is best to remove that part of hoof 
which has matter under it. The same rule applies to frog; some- 
times matter works under the frog, and it has to be removed, but 
a new one forms quickly. 

A hot poultice is perhaps best, except when the joint is 
punctured, then put on a cold one instead. At each dressing put 
on Carbolic lotion, and poultice right over it. Should proud flesh 
come up, apply burned Alum or Sulphate of Zinc once a day; if 
it comes up suddenly, and large like one's thumb, cut it off with 
perfect safety, then when bleeding stops, apply the Alum or Zinc. 
When there is no more matter, and lameness is nearly gone, 
leave off poultice and dress once a day with the Carbolic lotion, 
also White I/)tion (page 263). If joint is opened, the accident 
becomes very serious; continue the poultice, and bathe the foot 
with White Lotion twice daily. Tub with cold water part 
of the time in place of the poultice. Do not try to stop the dis- 
charge suddenly. Put a sling under the animal if he will not lie 
down. Feed lightly on laxative diet, and give the following 
internally: 

Fluid Extract Aconite 2 draclims 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract Colcliicum Seed i ounce. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water to make i quart. 

Shake, Dose: 2 ounces, three times a day. 
After giving for five days, discontinue for two 
or three days and give again. 

Neglected nail pricks are apt to be followed with lock-jaw, 
for this reason nail pricks should always be opened freely to 
admit the air (see " L-ock-jaw"). The outer opening of the 
puncture should never be allowed to close quickly, but keep freely 
open and use strong Carbolic Acid lotion freely. When a valu- 
able horse receives a nail prick, it is a good plan to have a veteri- 
narian give an injection of the tetanus anti-toxin as a preventive 
against lock-jaw. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 319 

QUARTER CRACKS AND SAND CRACKS.— These 

are cracks in the hoof, usually extending lengthwise of the fibre, 
though sometimes they may break across the fibre for a distance 
of an inch or more. They sometimes extend through the hoof 
into the laminae, or quick, and cause lameness. Quarter cracks 
occur at the quarters, usually on the inside quarter, on account 
of that one being thinner and weaker than the outer one. Sand 
cracks may come on the hoof anywhere forward of the quarters, 
and are so called because more common in sandy sections. 

Causes. — A brittle condition of the hoof, from want of suf- 
ficient moisture. Sometimes the hoofs become cracked from the 
heating, drying influence of sandy roads, stony pavements in 
cities, and long continued want of moisture, A transfer from 
pasture to a dry stable floor ma}^ produce cracks. Small feet 
with hard hoofs, and feet that are excessively large, are more 
susceptible to sand cracks than those of better proportions. 
Heavy shoes, large nails, and nails set too far back toward the 
heels, with such diseases as canker and quittor, occasionally cause 
sand cracks, while fast work on hard roads, jumping, injuries to 
the coronet, and calk wounds of the feet, when they injure the 
coronet, are causes of quarter crack. 

Symptoms. — A crack or split in the hoof, which may be only 
at top or bottom, and very short, or in the center between top and 
bottom; or it may extend from top to bottom. It may extend in 
but a little way, or go in to the quick so that soft parts are 
pinched between edges of crack, causing great lameness. The 
lameness may come on gradually or at once, depending whether 
crack extends at once to quick or deepens by degrees. The quar- 
ter crack is generally more serious than the sand crack. 

Treatment. — 

Remove the shoe and reduce the wall of that quarter, to take 
off bearing, and apply a bar-shoe giving frog pressure. If 
broken through into the quick, take a sharp, shoeing knife and 
pare down the edges of the crack the whole length, enough 
to relieve the pinching, but not through to the quick, and for a 
half inch on each side the crack, to make it pliable. Then take 
a sharp knife, or a file, and cut across the crack at the top, nearly 



320 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

to the quick. Make cut at least an inch long; this is to prevent 
the crack from continuing, and the new hoof will grow down sound 
and natural. If the crack does not extend to the quick, it is 
not necessary to pare away edges. This you may know by the 
horse not being lame. It is a good plan to cut across the crack 
at the top, and to take off bearing at the bottom, but not to cut 
as deep as in severe cases. Then have a plate of iron or copper, 
half inch wide, and an inch and one-half long, screwed on across 
the crack; have screws about one-fourth of an inch long, and 
screw them into the hoof, while the assistant draws the edges of 
the crack together with a pair of pincers; the horse at the time 
standing on the other foot to take the weight off the one being 
treated. Or, in place of the plate, cut a little shoulder in the 
wall, three-quarters of an inch back from the crack on each side; 
bend a piece of stiff wire much the shape of a hog ring; fit the 
points of the wire against the shoulders and press together with 
pincers. If flesh grows up between the edges of the crack, burn 
it down with powdered blue vitrol, or burned alum, applied once 
a day. When it is dry and the soft parts healed by the vitriol, 
dress it with pine tar once a day. To hasten the growth of a 
new hoof, keep the feet moist by poulticing, or tubbing, and this 
should always be done if crack goes to the quick; or a Spanish 
Fly blister applied just above the coronet will hasten the growth 
of new horn (see "To Blister"). If a quarter crack is the result 
of an injured coronet, which, in healing, left a break in its 
substance, it will be very hard to overcome, as the wall will 
always be weak at that point. The continual use of a bar-shoe 
may support the weight without a crack forming. Great care 
should be taken in dressing an injured coronet to see that the 
torn edges contact each other perfectly. 

CALKS. — Horses wearing shoes with sharp calks are liable 
to wounds of the coronary region, either from tramping on them- 
selves, or on each other. These are common in draft horses, 
especially on rough roads and slippery streets, or where an animal 
gets into deep mud or snow. The fore feet are more liable than 
the hind ones, and seat of injury is commonly in the quarters. 
In the hind feet the wound often results from the animal resting- 
with the heel of one foot set directly over the front of the other. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 321 

Treatment. — 

As a preventive measure, boots could be used to protect the 
coronet of the hind foot, if horse stands with one foot over on 
the other. 

If the wound is in the skin and of any length over an inch, 
take a stitch or more, putting them half an inch apart, but not 
in such a way as to prevent drainage. If an artery is cut so as 
to bleed a stream, pick up and ligate, or put on a dry sponge, and 
bandage it tightly with coarse cotton, and leave on twelve hours; 
then take off and dress with Carbolic lotion and bandage again, 
but only tight enough to keep parts in place; see "Treatment of 
Wounds." Remove bandage twice a da3% and syringe out with 
warm water, and afterwards with the Carbolic lotion. Later 
apply White Lotion, as given in "Wounds," dressing with 
this twice a day, and washing as often as is needed to keep 
clear of pus. If wound is inclined to gape open, continue the 
bandage a few days. 

If the calk is on the coronet, running down under the hoof, 
it will fester; pus will accumulate and cause great lameness; part 
will swell, and be red, hot, and tender to touch; in some cases 
horse is so lame as to prevent putting the foot on the ground at 
all. One of the principal points in treating this wound is to 
keep the torn ends of the coronet together, so as to have it heal 
without any break in it. Pare away all ragged edges of the skin 
and enough of the hoof, following the sore down, to allow escape 
of the pus; remove any hair or other foreign matter that may 
have gotten into it; then apply a poultice, after syringing with 
Carbolic lotion. Change poultice twice a day, using lotion each 
time, and examine wound carefully to see that there is no pocket 
containing pus. Cut away no more of the hoof than is necessary 
to keep the pus out of the wound, but enough for that. Con- 
tinue the poultice, or tub part of the time, till hole fills up and 
lameness is nearly or quite gone; then quit the poultice, and use 
White Lotion (page 263). Lay horse up until wound is well 
enough not to be injured by sand getting into it. If proud flesh 
springs up, burn it down with burnt Alum, or Sulphate of Zinc. 
When hoof is growing down, apply a mild blister to the coronet, 
and trim new growth to keep it smooth. The flesh that fills up 



322 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

the hole must be kept down even with the deep edge of the old 
hoof, otherwise the edges press against the flesh and prevent it 
from healing. If the coronet is badly torn, unless carefully 
brought together, and the wound properly dressed, there will 
always be a weak place in the hoof below, which will bother 
about cracking. 

OVER-REACHING.— An over-reach is where the shoe of 
the hind foot strikes and injures the heel or quarter of the fore 
foot. 

Causes. — Is generally caused by fast driving, and is most 
common in trotting and running horses. In trotters it most 
commonly happens when the animals break from a trot to a run. 

Symptoms. — The coronet at the heel, or quarter, is bruised or 
cut, the injury involving the horn as well. When hind foot 
strikes well back on heel of the fore foot, catching the shoe — an 
accident known as "grabbing" — the shoe may be torn from the 
fore foot, or horse fall on his knees. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment is much the same as for calking, depending 
somewhat upon the nature of the wound. Sometimes the wound 
can be sewed, sometimes not. Cold fomentations, Carbolic lotion 
and White I^otion (page 263) are to be used. Keep wound clean 
by syringing. If part becomes inflamed and fomentations do not 
overcome it, poultice part of the time. 

When horse is known to be subject to over-reaching, he 
should never be driven fast without quarter boots, which are 
made for protecting the heels and quarters. If there is a dispo- 
sition to "grab," treat as for "Forging." 

FORGING. — Forging is the habit of clacking the fore and 
hind shoes together when trotting. The only real harm is the 
wearing off of the toe of the hind foot, but it is very annoying to 
the driver, and fatiguing to the horse. As the fore foot is being 
raised off the ground, with the heel already raised, and the foot 
in the act of rolling on the toe, the toe of the hind foot comes 
flying in under the heel of the fore, and the two shoes come 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 323 

together, the toe of the hind against the underside of the web of 
the fore, making the clacking noise. It often wears off the toe 
of the hind foot badly. With some horses the hind shoe is apt 
to grab the front one and pull it off, or cause the horse to fall. 

Treatment, — 

Increase the action and activity of the fore leg, to get the 
foot out of the way of the hind foot. To do this, keep the toe 
of the front foot as short as possible, raise the heels a little by 
using longer heel, than toe, calks; and with most forgers, shoe 
rather heavy in front. Slow up the hind feet by shoeing light, 
by letting the toe grow long, and by raising the toe just a little 
by using longer toe calks. With some horses it is impossible to 
overcome the diflSculty, and they will need to be kept at slow 
work. 

If there is a tendency to grab the front shoe, keep its heels 
as short as possible so that the hind shoe cannot catch them. 

BRUISES OF THE SOLE OF THE FOOT; STONE 
BRUISES.— 

Causes. — Stepping on stones or other hard substances; or 
from wide-webbed shoe pressing on the sole. 

Symptoms. — The horse, in traveling, steps either longer short 
to keep on heel or toe of the affected foot; by tapping the sole of 
the foot with a hammer, he will flinch when the bruised spot is 
struck. If not attended to, symptoms will be more severe; horse 
will hardly be able to put foot to the ground, and it will be hot 
and swollen around the top. 

Treatment. — 

Remove the shoe and find affected spot by tapping on the 
sole with a hammer, and if there is no signs of festering, put on 
a poultice of bran and Linseed meal in equal parts, or tub the 
foot. Change poultice twice a day until the soreness is all out. 
Should there be signs of festering, pare a hole in through the sole 
to allow escape of matter; flush out with Carbolic lotion, then 
poultice as above directed until animal is better. Use Carbolic 
lotion and White Lotion (page 263) in treating wound each time, 



324 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

before applying poultice. If proud flesh starts, apply burned 
Alum or Sulphate of Zinc. Give laxative diet and a teaspoonful 
or Saltpeter three times a day in his feed. 

FRACTURES OF THE BONES OF THE FOOT.— 

Causes. — By striking the foot with great force against any 
substance, especially if the foot receives the blow on the quarter; 
by being run over by a loaded wagon; or by being stepped on by 
a heavy horse. 

Symptoms. — Extreme lameness comes on suddenly, soon after 
the accident, and increases with time. The foot swells around 
the coronet, and horse will not put any weight on it at alL 

Treatment. — 

All that can be done is to keep down the inflammation as 
much as possible by tubbing and poulticing^ Give the horse a 
sling so he will not try to lie down. lyong rest will be necessary, 
if recovery takes place at all, 

FALSE QUARTER.— This is a term applied when there 
is a more or less separation of the quarter from the toe by a bad 
quarter crack, or an irregular growing of the horn of the quarter. 

Causes. — An injury to the coronet, from which the hoof 
grows. Very apt to follow severe calking unless injury is properly 
treated. This causes an alteration of the horn of the hoof below, 
corresponding to the extent of the injury. 

Symptoms. — There is a crack or depression in the hoof, vary- 
ing in width, and depth with the extent of the injury. Animal 
may not be lame, but a misstep is apt to cause the thin hoof to 
crack and produce lameness. 

Treatment, — 

Apply a bar-shoe, giving frog pressure and removing pressure 
from the affected quarter; also strengthen, as recommended in 
treatment for "Quarter Crack." 

COFFIN JOINT LAMENESS— NAVICULAR DIS- 
EASE. — One of the back tendons passes down the back of the 
leg, enters the hoof in front of the frog, beneath the navicular 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 325 

bone, that lies directly above the frog, and attaches itself to a 
rough hollow on the sole of the cofiSn bone. Disease in that part 
of the tendon, which contacts the navicular bone, is navicular 
disease. The tendon becomes inflamed, inflammation extends to 
the navicular bone, which becomes rough and porous, the tendon 
and bone growing together in bad cases. In some cases disease 
begins with the bone. The disease is much oftener seen in the 
citv than in the country. 

Causes. — Severe sprains of the tendon in its lower portion; 
any severe bruise on the frog or heels; the prick of a nail entering 
the foot far enough to wound the tendon, or joint; and severe 
contraction of the foot might cause it by pressure on the navicular 
bone, interrupting nutrition, and thereby setting up disease. 
Hard driving on pavements, or hard dry roads, or by allowing 
feet to become hard and dry, also act as causes. 

Symiptovis .—'^h& lameness comes on gradually, and at first 
may be very slight when first starting, but later it becomes 
continuous, and is always worse when he first starts. It will 
improve as he gets warmed up, though not so as to go sound, for 
the tendon being inflamed, it is impossible for the lameness to dis- 
appear altogether. Horse will wear shoes out most at the toes, 
will point feet when standing, alternating if both are affected, 
and rest them on the toes. As disease progresses the gait 
becomes short, horse is liable to stumble, going too much on his 
toes, forming lameness known as "groggy lameness," The horse 
keeps his feet well back under him, which distinguishes it from 
founder, in which the feet are kept out in front, and we^'ght 
thrown onto the heels. The pastern will be straightened up 
nearer the perpendicular than is natural. The feet will become 
contracted, especially at the heels; the heels getting high, the 
frog small and dry. 

Treatment. — 

As a general thing treatment is very unsatisfactory, and with 
cases that have existed for any length of time is alleviative only. 
As soon as the first symptoms of lameness are noticed — slight 
lameness, with inclination to stumble, going out a little lame and 
improving on warming up, with exercise — put on a high-heeled 



326 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

shoe, give the horse long rest, and tub the feet, or allow the 
horse to stand in a clay puddle half of each day; the remainder 
of the day keep the horse in a low pasture, or in a box stall with 
a damp, dirt floor. Continue the treatment for a month or two, 
and if there is still some lameness, blister from hoof to fetlock 
with Spanish Fly blister (see "To Blister" under "Ring-Bone"); 
follow this with another month or two of the previous treatment. 
If taken at the very outset, this line of treatment may benefit 
materially, if it does not cure. If the disease is well seated 
all that can be done is to alleviate as much as possible. To do 
this, shoe with high-heel calks, or use a rolling-motion shoe — 
a shoe with the web extra thick at the heels, but commences a 
a little back of the center and tapers down until very thin at the 
toe. Keep the feet moist and soft by standing the horse in a clay 
puddle a portion of the time. Turn into low pastures when 
possible. Keep off of hard roads as much as possible and give 
slow work. With severe, confirmed cases the horse may be 
nerved; the operation consists in cutting the nerves which lead 
to the foot, thus destroying sensation. The operation would 
need be performed by a veterinarian. It does not cure the dis- 
ease, simply stops the lameness. The horse may do good work 
for a number of years after the operation, or he may go down in 
a short time; he will not save the feet as much as before opera- 
tion, and the extra strain may break the weakened tendon where 
it passes over the bone. The foot of the horse that has been 
nerved should be carefully watched to see that it is not injured 
in any way. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 327 



HOW TO BREAK OF VICES 



GNAWING THE MANGER AND CLOTHING.-This 

habit, especially gnawing the manger, indicates a derangement of 
the digestive organs, a want of salt, or is simply the product of 
idleness. Blanket tearing sometimes results from horse being 
too warm, more particularly when horse is fat; the skin gets hot 
and itches, and he would be much more comfortable without the 
blanket. In some cases he might need medical treatment. 

Treatment. — 

If animal is unthrifty, give treatment for "Chroniclndiges- 
tion" and for "Worms." If the result of idleness, give plenty of 
work and feed accordingly. If the habit is persisted in, smear 
manger with asafetida, or cover edge with sheet iron. If a 
blanket is a real necessity, the horse can be prevented from tear- 
ing it, by tying a stick from the check piece of the halter to the 
surcingle. If the skin shows disease of any kind, treat accord- 
ingly. 

KICKING WHILE EATING GRAIN.— This is an out- 
growth of idleness in connection with nervous disposition. The 
horse, while eating his grain, will kick the side of his stall four or 
five times a minute. This he may do with one foot, or he may 
alternate, using first one and then the other. 

Treatment.— 

Tie a piece of chain, a foot or two in length, to the pastern 
of the foot used; this will sometimes prove effectual. Anothei 
plan is to run a small rope from a collar under a surcingle to the 
foot. Or, place the feed box rather high, so that his head will 
be kept well up. 

WASTING GRAIN.— This is a habit of taking up grain 
into the mouth and then, by swinging the head around, lose a 
large amount of it. In some cases is due to the animal holding 
his head sidewise from diseased teeth. 



328 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment.—- 

If the teeth are at fault give treatment as is recommended in 
such cases. If not from this, spread the grain out in a thin layer 
over the bottom of a large manger, so that his time will be fully 
employed picking it up; or, if fed in a small feed box, place a few 
stones the size of a man's fist in the box; the grain will sift in 
among these and he can get but a small mouthful at a time 

PULLING BACK AND BREAKING HALTER.— 

This commonly originates from fright, when by suddenly jump- 
ing back the halter is broken. The animal knowing that what 
has been once done can be done again, repeats, and it finally 
becomes a vice. 

Treatment. — 

Have a very strong halter, and tie animal high on the 
manger; this will give the horse less power to pull than when tied 
low. Another way is to take a long rope, pass one end around 
the body just in front of the hips and tie in a slip-knot; pass the 
other end underneath a surcingle, between the front legs, through 
the ring in the halter, and tie to the manger. He will make 
only a very few attempts to break loose. 

CRIBBING AND WIND-SUCKING,— (See page 99.) 

BALKING. — -The best way to break a horse of balking is 
never to be in a hurry, but, rather let him stand to his heart's 
content; avoid hitching him to any load he cannot pull easily; 
coax and pat him; feed him apples, salt and sugar, etc., out of 
the hand; if checked, uncheck him; pull his ears; hold up one 
front foot for a time; try to divert his attention. If possible, let 
the same person drive him. If these fail, and he is with a trusty 
horse, back the trusty one as far as possible, and lead the balky 
one up; take a good sized rope, put it around the flank of the 
balky horse, and tie in a slip-knot, but so it cannot slip only so 
tight, but tight enough to pinch him in good shape; tie the other 
end to the hame of the other horse, and start him gently. This 
should not be resorted to if there is a heavy load behind the 
horses, or if he has any reasonable excuse for balking. Never 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 329 

get the horse that has a tendency to balk into a tight place. No 
two balky horses are exactly alike, so the disposition must be 
studied, and the animal treated accordingly. In all cases, how- 
ever, use kindness. The habit is most often formed by over- 
loading young horses, or by asking them to pull when very tired. 
A disposition which tends toward balking may be inherited, and 
animals inheriting this disposition should be carefully handled 
when young. 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES 



Horses are frequently poisoned in various ways: by eating 
noxious plants; by getting poisons left in the stable; and some- 
times by overdoses of strong medicines. Malicious persons, from 
motives of revenge, may be the cause of horses being poisoned. 
Therefore it is well to know something of the nature of common 
poisons, and also the simpler antidotes. It might be a good 
investment to commit to memory these few general directions: 
When an animal is poisoned b}^ an alkali, give him an acid, such 
as vinegar, etc. For poisoning by an acid, give an alkali, such 
as Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda). These articles are nearly 
always at hand. 

POISONING BY DRUGS AND MINERALS.— 
Aconite is frequently given in an overdose, and causes 
profuse perspiration; spasm of the glottis, seen in the continual 
swallowing when there is nothing to swallow; congestion of the 
lungs, with difficult breathing; inflammation of the stomach and 
bowels ; and quick pulse, gradually becoming imperceptible. 
Antidote — Give stimulants. Alcohol or Whiskey; if these are not 
at hand give strong Coffee in pint doses every fifteen minutes 
until relieved. One-half to i grain of Atropine dissolved in a 
little water and given by the mouth helps counteract the action 
on the heart. 



330 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Arsenic is at times the cause of poisoning. It is a cor- 
rosive irritant poison, causing diarrhea, mucus discharge from 
the eyes and nose, a quick, wiry pulse, and injected mucous 
membranes. A7itidote — The best chemical antidote is Sesquioxide 
of Iron (iron rust) . To prepare, dissolve Copperas and Bicarbon- 
ate of Soda separately in water and then mix the two solutions, 
when iron rust will fall to the bottom. Wash it with warm 
water, put in a bottle, and give 3 or 4 tablespoonfuls every ten to 
fifteen minutes. Being insoluble, it will have to be washed down 
the horse's throat with plenty of hot water from the bottle. 
When this remedy is absent, give eggs, milk, powdered charcoal, 
or blue clay. Also give an ounce of L,audanum to help counter- 
act irritation of digestive tract. 

Aloes in large doses is poisonous. It produces diarrhea and 
superpurgation; dryness of the mouth; yawning and straining; 
quick, hard pulse, gradually becoming imperceptible; injected 
mucous membranes, and sometimes irritation of the kidneys. 
Antidote — Give powdered Ipecacuanha in ^-drachm doses every 
hour; starch gruel, internally, and cold injections of the same 
into the rectum, with i ounce of lyaudanum in each injection, 
repeating gruel and injection every hour; Opium in i -drachm 
doses, or i -ounce doses of I^audanum every four to six hours; 
chalk, port wine, or any drugs used to counteract diarrhea, and 
hot fomentations to the belly. Give alcohol to stimulate the 
heart. 

Ammonia, Carbonate, is sometimes given in too large 
doses, or not sufl&ciently diluted, when mouth, throat, and 
stomach become blistered and burned, and salivation follows. 
Antidote — Give Olive Oil in doses of two to three tablespoonfuls, 
five or six times a day; also milk and eggs. 

Belladonna is a favorite remedy in some cases, but if given 
in too large doses is a poison. There is dilatation of the pupils of 
the eyes; stupor, swelling of the head, and delirium. On post- 
mortem the blood will be found fluid, and decomposition sets in 
early. Antidote — Give Alcohol, Whiskey, or strong Coffee, as 
with Aconite poisoning; apply Mustard to the chest and cold to 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 331 

the head; give milk and Linseed Oil — a pint of each, mixed — 
and gentle exercise, and also a tablespoonful of Saltpeter. 

Calomel is a corrosive, irritant poison, and causes a dis- 
charge of black, offensive manure, diarrhea, with great depres- 
sion. Antidote — Give Opium in i -drachm doses, or L^audanum, 
i-ounce doses three times a day; also use Flaxseed tea. 

Cantharides (Spanish Fly) is a narcotic, irritant poison, 
causing inflammation of the urino-genital organs; imperceptible 
pulse, and injected mucous membranes. Antidotes — Give i pint 
Linseed Oil, which follow after an hour with large quantities of 
Flaxseed tea or mucilage; apply hot cloths to the loins; give 
starch gruel injections, with an ounce of Laudanum in each in- 
jection; or Opium in i-drachm doses, or Laudanum in i -ounce 
doses, three or four times a day. Give drachm doses Fluid Ex- 
tract Belladonna three or four times a day. 

Chloroform is a narcotic poison. It causes a slow pulse; 
slow, heavy breathing; insensibility to pain; muscular twitch- 
ings; dilatation of the pupils; foaming at the mouth, and stupor. 
Antidote. — Throw cold water over the animal; raise and lower 
the fore legs continuously; pound the chest to induce respira- 
tion; use bellows at the nostrils; if possible, give Alcohol or 
Whisky, if not, have him inhale fumes of Ammonia. 

Chloral Hydrate is similar, both in effects and antidotes, 
to Chloroform. 

Croton Oil is an acrid, irritant poison. It may be either 
swallowed or absorbed from the skin, and causes inflammation of 
the stomach and bowels, drastic purgation, and great prostration. 
The treatment is that for " Diarrhea, or Superpurgation." 

Copper Sulphate is a corrosive irritant poison, bring- 
ing on inflammation of the stomach and bowels, and diarrhea; 
ulceration, perforation, and thickening of the mucous membranes; 
quick, hard, almost imperceptible pulse; and when near smelting 
works, emaciation, paralysis, and bony disease of the joints. These 



332 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



latter symptoms characterize the chronic, slow poisoning resulting 
from grazing in the vicinity of such works, and inhaling the 
condensed fumes, or eating the poison-tainted grass; the remedy 
is: To remove from that vicinity. In cases of acute poisoning 
give a pint of lyinseed Oil, eggs, soap in small quantities, and 
milk, or Flaxseed tea. 

Corrosive Sublimate is frequently taken in the form of 
rat poison, and is an irritative, corrosive poison, causing inflam- 
mation of the stomach and bowels, fetid diarrhea, salivaiion, 
fetid breath, quick, weak pulse, and yellow appearance of the 
mucous membranes. Antidote — Give milk and eggs in large 
quantities, with occasional doses of opium in i -drachm doses. 

Ergot of Rye is a fungus that grows on rye and other 
kinds of grain, and is developed on low, undrained soils by long 
continued damp weather. In large amounts it causes narcotism, 
colic, diarrhea, and perverted nervous action; impairs the appetite; 
induces weakness and wasting, and serous, sometimes bloody, 
discharges from the mucous surfaces; and in a chronic case, 
sloughing of the ears, tail, and even of the limbs. Antidote — 
Give a pint of Linseed Oil, and follow it with large quantities of 
Flaxseed tea, and give % ounce of Ether in % pint of water 
three to four times a day. 

Iron Sulphate is a corrosive, irritant poison, causing the 
same symptoms as the Sulphate of Copper. Antidote — Tannic Acid, 
2 drachms in ^ pint of water, or Bicarbonate of Soda, i ounce. 
After a few minutes give large quantities of Flaxseed tea. 
Repeat the whole treatment every few hours. 

Nux Vomica is an irritant poison, and causes tetanic 
spasms and general convulsions; convulsions of the diaphragm, 
causing labored breathing, and sometimes asphyxia. Antidote — 
Give Chloral Hydrate in doses of }^ ounce every two hours, with 
an occasional dose of opium — i drachm; also i ounce of laudanum, 
repeated in an hour, or Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 
Avoid exciting animal in any way. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 333 

Opium is a narcotic poison, producing partial or total 
paralysis, stupor, labored breathing, slow pulse, and contracted 
pupils. After death the blood is fluid, and decomposition sets in 
early. Antidote — Shower with cold water, give Tannic Acid 2 
drachms, and an occasional dose of Sweet Spirits of Niter, % 
ounce at a time; also i -ounce doses of Alcohol, and a dose or two 
of Fluid Extract of Belladonna, i drachm at a time, and compel 
horse to take exercise. 

Lead, in all its forms, is a corrosive, irritant poison, which, 
in acute cases, produces violent constipation, delirium, colic pains, 
tremor of the muscles, and inflammation of the stomach and 
bowels. In chronic cases, where the symptoms develop slowly, 
there will be noticed what is called "Plumbism," bony deposits, 
solidifying of the joints, paralysis, staring coat, a blue line around 
the gums, emaciation, quick and wiry pulse; black feces that are 
glazed and fetid, the abdomen tucked up, and constant moaning. 
Antidote — Give Epsom Salts, 4 to 8 ounces; 'after an hour give 
Iodide of Potash, 2 to 3 drachms; accompany any of these with 
occasional doses of Opium, i drachm. Put Mustard paste on the 
belly, and use large quantities of Flaxseed tea. 

Nitrate of Potash — Saltpeter, in large doses, is an irritant 
poison, causing inflammation of the stomach, bowels and kidneys, 
injected membranes, inflammation of the gullet, colic, and the 
like, and it has a powerful sedative action on the heart. Anti- 
dote — Give Linseed Oil and follow it with Flaxseed tea and 
Whiskey; also give vinegar; put Mustard paste on the belly and 
over the gullet. 

Strychnine is to be treated the same as Nux Vomica, 

Turpentine is an irritant poison, causing inflammation of the 
intestinal tract, strangury of the kidneys, quick and hard pulse, 
diarrhea, and a violet odor and a high color to the urine. Anti- 
dote — Give a pint dose of Oil, with Starch gruel and Laudanum, 
both internally and as an injection; if these are not at hand, give 
milk; put hot cloths on the loins. 

White Hellebore is an irritant poison, causing intermittent 
pulse, inflammation of the stomach and bowels, diarrhea, spasms 



334 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

of the superficial muscles, salivation and great prostration. It 
may be absorbed from the skin, as well as taken internally, doing 
damage in either case. Antidote— Q'we. eggs and milk in large 
quantities, and small doses of Olive Oil and Sweet Spirits of 
Niter. 

POISONING WHILE GRAZING.— 

While animals, as a general thing, lefuse to eat plants which 
are poisonous, yet, under certain conditions, such as poor, short, 
or dry pasture, or where the poisonous plant is mixed with hay, 
they may eat sufficient quantities to produce poisoning. 

Prevention is the principal treatment. Do not allow animals 
to pasture where the poisonous plants grow, and especially so if 
the pasture is short and dry, and the plant green. The medicinal 
treatment is to counteract symptoms; if weak heart, with prostra- 
tion, give Alcohol or other stimulants, with a little Strychnine or 
Nux Vomica; if convulsions, give quieting drugs, as Chloral 
Hydrate, Belladonna, Opium. Oil or Linseed gruel is always 
good, as it counteracts the irritation to the digestive tract, if 
present. Permanganate of Potash in 5^ drachm doses in a quart 
of water, for the horse, is of great value. The following are 
plants that have the reputation of being more or less poisonous: 

The Larkspurs — Some species being more poisonous than 
others. 

The Black Cherry — The leaves or fruit, when taken in 
sufficient quantities, have been known to poison. 

Loco Weed poisoning is treated in connection with the 
nervous disorder (see "Loco Disease"). 

Water Hemlock, a plant growing in damp, marshy places, 
one of the most poisonous plants growing in the United States; 
the roots seem to possess the greatest amount of the poisonous 
principle, and animals have been poisoned by eating them. 

Poison Hemlock, another species of hemlock, also called 
spotted parsley and by a number of other names, is also poisonous. 
The poison is found in the seeds and leaves. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 335 

Laurels. — There are a number of species which possess 
poisonous properties, and deaths have been reported where animals 
have eaten the leaves and smaller stems. 

Horsetail is also claimed to be poisonous to horses when fed 
in their hay for any length of time. The weed should be removed 
from the hay before it is fed. 

Millet has been proved by experience to be a slow poison 
when fed as a fodder alone. The term "Millet Disease" has 
been adopted as a name in some parts. Principal symptoms are 
those of increased action of the kidneys, with lameness and swel- 
ling of the joints. There is infusion of blood into the joints, the 
bone texture is destroyed, rendering it soft and less tenacious, so 
that ligaments and muscles are easily torn loose. Antidote — Dis- 
continue the feeding of millet, give other foods, and use tonics as 
for "Chronic Indigestion." 

VEGETABLE POISONING BY CONTACT.— 

Poisoning by the skin, the same as with people, is not an 
uncommon occurrence, from the nose or lips coming in contact 
with poisonous plants in grazing, such as poison oak, poison ivy, 
poison sumac, St. John's wort, etc. The symptoms of such poison 
ing are about those manifested by man from the same cause. 

Antidotes — Are both constitutional and local. Internally 
give a laxative of Oil; and a teaspoonful of Saltpeter three times a 
day. Locally wash the afifected parts with the following; 

Sugarof Lead i^ ounces. 

Alcohol I pint. 

Water i pint. 

Shake. Apply as a wash, two or three times 
a day. 

POISONING BY STINGS OR SNAKE BITE.— 

In many sections the farmer is liable to have his team 

severely stung, by hornets, bumble-bees, or the like; while in the 

Southwest the torture inflicted on stock by swarms of gnats and 

poisonous flies is quite as serious. Horses are also bitten some- 

imes by venomous snakes. 



336 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

For stings, any of the following remedies may be used: A 
Strong solution of salt and water. Onion juice is another good 
remedy. In severe cases bathe with Ammonia water (strong 
Ammonia, two or three ounces to a pint of water, or the weak 
Ammonia with an equal part of water.) Sponging the parts 
with lime water, or with a weak solution of soda and water, and 
following this by smearing over with L,inseed oil is very good. 
To protect against gad-flies, wash the flanks and parts most 
likely to be attacked, with a strong infusion of the green bark of 
the common elder. As a protection against buffalo gnats, that 
are very troublesome in some parts, smear the parts they most 
attack with a mixture of lard, 2 parts; tar, 1 part; or equal parts 
of petroleum, lard oil, or bacon drippings, and tar. 

For the bite of a rattlesnake, or other venomous serpent, 
give as quickly as possible: 

Hartshorn i teaspoonful. 

Whiskey >^ pint or, 3 ounces Alcohol. 

Warm water i pint. 

3fi:r, and give. Repeat the mixture in half 
an hour, and again in one hour after, as symp- 
toms indicate. 

Cauterize the wound at once with a hot iron at white heat, 
and keep the adjoining parts wet with Ammonia for some hours 
with a sponge. 

Stings of centipedes, scorpions, and tarantulas, should be 
treated as for snake bite, except it is not customary to cauterize 
the wound. 



MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 



A CHILL.— 

Cause. — From taking a cold drink of water after working 
hard; or from being allowed to stand in the cold afterward; or it 
may develop as the early symptom of some internal disorder. 

Symptoms. — Horse will refuse to eat ; shivers ; looks dull ; 
back arched; respiration heavy; the pulse is accelerated, and the 
temperature rises. This is not a disease in and of itself, but is 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 337 

rather the symptoms of one, and the animal should be carefully 
watched afterwards to see what disease is to follow, and treat 
accordingly; sometimes it is nothing but a mild fever, but many 
times something more serious may ensue. 

Treatment,— 

As soon as noticed put the horse in a warm stall and put on 
an extra blanket or two to get him warmed up. If his legs are 
cold, rub them to arouse the circulation, and give as a drench: 

Sweet Spirits of Niter i ounce. 

Alcohol I " 

Fluid Extract Aconite 5 to 10 drops. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Ginger 2 tablespoonfuls. 

3Ii.Y, and give in a pint of lukewarm water, 
repeating the Alcohol and Ginger in an hour, 
and the entire dose an hour later if the chill is 
not over. 

If the above is not at hand give any stimulant, as Alcohol or 
Ammonia. A chill should always be overcome as soon as pos- 
sible, as the longer it runs the more serious the fever that follows. 
After the chill is over, give a fever mixture, as the one recom- 
mended in early stages of "Inflammation of the Lungs," and 
watch for complications. 

HOW TO EXAMINE FOR SOUNDNESS.— The great 
thing to remember in examining a horse for soundness is to be 
systematic; and while we can commence at any point, it is perhaps 
best to commence at the left side of the head. In examining 
any part, think of that part only, and of all the diseases which 
might affect it. If possible, see the horse while standing in his 
stall, undisturbed, to see if he has any stable vices; watch him 
carefully as he is backed from the stall, because some slight lame- 
nesses only show at this time. After taking the horse from the 
stall, have him jogged at the halter, past you, away from you, 
and toward you; have him turned both ways. Having satisfied 
yotirself that he is free from lameness, stand him squarely on all 
four feet and commence your systematic examination. Commence 
by examining nostrils and mouth, looking at his teeth in order to 



338 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

tell his age; then look close into the eyes to see that there is 
nothing wrong; pass the hand up around the ears and the top of 
his head, to see that they are all right; then examine the neck, 
by starting at the top, running the hand over it to the withers, 
then over the shoulder, down the outside and inside of the fore 
leg, and watch carefully for splints, side-bones, ring-bones, and 
like affections; then raise the foot and see if it is well formed, 
with good, strong heels; look back along the belly for warts and 
running sores as the result of castration; then pass the hand down 
the back of the hips and see that the hip bones are both the same 
size; then follow the hind leg over the hock and hind fetlock and 
look for spavins, wind-galls, curbs, splints, side-bones and ring- 
bones, and also at the stifles, and see that they are all right; 
examine the foot as you did in front, then go over the other side 
in same detail. Go slowly, dwelling on each part a sufficient time 
to think of all its diseases. After this, stand back and see how he 
stands on his legs, if hips are symmetrical, and also how he holds 
his head and neck; then pass to the front and notice if he stands 
with his front feet well under him, for this is a good sign; at the 
same time see if he is inclined to be weak in knees or fetlocks. 
Beware of calf-kneed horses, for they are always stumblers; see 
that horse stands neither too straight nor too crooked on his hind 
legs; see that he has a well-formed breast, and that he does not 
toe in nor toe out too much; then make an effort as though you 
would strike him with a whip over the side; if he grunts as he 
jumps, examine to see that he is not a roarer; to do this have him 
run for one-eighth of a mile, stop him suddenly and place ear 
quickly to the throat; there should be no whistling. Then hitch 
him up and drive him, to see that he carries his front and hind 
legs well and that he has good action, also noticing whether he 
carries his tail straight or not. If for draft, hitch him to a load 
of some kind to see how he pulls. Now put him in the stable for 
an hour or two, giving him a pail of water and a feed, for in 
some cases of lameness, the animal will not show it until he has 
stood for awhile. After this, go into the stall and take the horse 
out yourself, noting how he steps over and how he backs out, 
for fear of string-halt and chorea. After this give him another 
trot to test for lameness and soundness of wind. A person 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 339 

cannot be too careful in examining a horse, as there are so many- 
troubles, it is easy to overlook some conditions that may prove 
more or less serious. 

FORMS OF GUARANTY OR WARRANT OF 
SOUNDNESS.— 

When a horse is bought on a guaranty, the language should 
be concise and comprehensive. Equivocal language and verbiage 
is the resort of tricksters, who wish by this means to deceive, 
and honest men should avoid the appearance of evil. The follow- 
ing are good: 

Received of Mr. .._ _ , _..Dollars, 

for , warranted years old, and under years, sound, 

free from vice, and quiet to ride or drive. 

Signature 

The place, date of purchase, the name of the person who 
pays, the amount paid, the description of the animal with pedi- 
gree, if any, and reference to the proper stud book, and the age, 
should be filled out and signed by the seller. A form fully filled 
out might read as follows: 

Detroit, Mich., June 15, 1904. 
Received of John Adair, seven hundred and fifty ($750) dollars, for the 
dark bay imported stallion Imperial; black mane and tail, and one white 
hind fetlock. Sire, Alexander; dam, Alicia, etc., as contained in the stud 
book. Said stallion is warranted five years old, and under six years old, 
sound, free from physical defect, and safe and quiet to ride or drive. 

{Signed) Arthur Q. McKenzib. 

This covers the ground, and may be changed to suit any 
transaction in the buying of a horse. 

A bill of sale might read as follows: 

Detroit, Mich., June 15, 1904. 

For and in consideration of the sum of._ _Dollars (or, if a 

note is given for the whole or part, state this fact). I have this day sold to 
John Adair, the horse etc , etc. (as in the other form). 



340 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



TO TELL THE AGE OF HORSES 

BY O. R GLEASON 

To tell the age of any horse, 
Inspect the lower jaw, of course; 
The sixth front tooth the tale will tell, 
And every doubt and fear dispel. 

Two middle "nippers" you behold 
Before the colt is two weeks old. 
Sefore eight weeks two more will come; 
Eight months, th« "corners" cut the gums. 

Two outside grooves will disappear 
From middle two in just one year. 
In two years from the second pair; 
In three the corners, too, are bare. 

At three the middle "nippers" drop; 
At four the second pair can't stop. 
When five years old, the third pair goes. 
And then a full new set he shows. 

The deep black spots will pass from view, 

At six years from the middle two. 

The second pair at seven years; 

At eight the spot each "corner" clears. 

From middle nippers, upper jaw, 
At nine the black spots will withdraw. 
The second pair at ten are white; 
Eleven finds the "corners" light. 

As time goes on, the horsemen know 
The oval teeth three-sided grow; 
They longer get, project before. 
Till twenty, when we know no more. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 341 

HOW TO TELL A HORSE'S AGE BY HIS TEETH. 

— In buying horses it is often desirable to be able to judge of 
the approximate age of the animals. With a little experience 
this can be done quite accurately by examining the teeth. In 
judging, we may confine ourselves almost entirely to the lower 
front teeth, called the lower incisors. In the horse there are six 
of these, and they are named as follows: The two middle ones 
are called the central incisors, the ones on each side of the centrals 
are called the laterals, and the ones next to these, or the outer 
ones on each side, are called the corners. Those on the upper 
jaw are named the same, but we need not study them in judging 
age. The back teeth are called the molars, or grinders, but 
these do not aid in judging of the age, except at one period, 
which will be mentioned later. In structure, the teeth are made 
up for the most part of a hard, bone-like substance called dentine, 
the outside being covered over with a still harder substance, the 
hardest in the body, known as enamel. The enamel not only 
covers the outside of the tooth, but dips down into the tooth at 
various places. In the molars it dips down in a number of places, 
and being harder than the surrounding dentine wears away more 
slowly, and hence keeps the grinding surface of the tooth rough. 
In the incisor teeth the enamel surrounds the cups, which are in 
the grinding surface of these teeth. This enamel, which dips 
down into the substance of the tooth, is called the internal 
enamel to distinguish it from that on the outside of the tooth, 
called the external enamel. 

The horse has two sets of teeth; the first, which are called 
the temporary, or milk teeth, are twenty-four in number, twelve 
in each jaw; six incisors and six molars, three molars on each 
side. The second set, which are called the permanent teeth, are 
forty in number, six incisors, twelve molars, and two canines, in 
each jaw. The canines are generally absent in the mare; they 
are the sharp-pointed teeth in the space between the incisors and 
molars. The canines and the fourth, fifth and sixth molars are 
not present in the temporary set, and hence the horse has only 
one set of these teeth. 

At birth the colt generally has the central incisors ia both 
lower and upper jaws, four front teeth; sometimes these do not 



342 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



come through for a week or ten days after birth. At eight to 
ten weeks the lateral incisors on each jaw come through, and at 
about ten months the corner incisors come in. The colt now has 
a full colt's mouth, all his temporary, or milk teeth, as they are 
called. The temporary back teeth, or grinders, are in at birth. 





Eight Days. 



Two to Three Months. 



The fourth molars, the first permanent teeth, come in at 
about ten months of age, but they need not be considered for 
judging age, as the corner incisors come in at that time, and the 
age can be judged by them. 

At from twenty months to two years the fifth molars come 
in, and as there are no very marked changes in the incisors at 
this age, the presence or absence of the fifth molars helps us in 
judging at this time. This is the only time when it is necessary 
to refer to the molars in judging age. 





Eight to Ten Months. 



The next change noticed in the teeth is the shedding of the 
temporary, and the appearance of the permanent teeth. Th^ 
permanent teeth are formed down in the jaw underneath the 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 



343 





Two and One-Half to Three Years. 



roots of the temporary ones, push up against the roots of the 
temporary, absorbing a large part of the root, and pushing out 
the remainder of the tooth. The first of these changes takes 
place with the teeth at from two years nine months to three years, 
when the temporary central incisors are shed, and the permanent 
ones take their place; it is about three months from the time the 
permanent teeth appear, until they are in wear. The permanent 
teeth are much larger than the temporary, so there is no danger 
of mistaking them. 

The next change is at from three years nine months to four 
years, when the lateral incisors change. The four-year-old colt 
then has four large permanent incisors in each jaw and the two 
small temporary corners. 





Three and One-Half to Four Years. 



Four and One-Half to Five Years. 



At five the corner incisors change; the colt now becomes a 
horse, having all his permanent teeth, the permanent grinders 
having replaced the temporary ones during the last two years, 
and the sixth molars and the canines having come in during the 
last year. Technically speaking, the male animal under five 



344 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



years of age is called a colt; past five, a horse. The female under 
five is called a filly; past five, a mare. 

After five the age is judged by the way the teeth wear away. 
When the tooth first comes in wear, there is in the grinding sur- 





Five Years. 

face, a cone-shaped cavity, commonly spoken of as the "cup," and 
as the tooth wears away this cup becomes shallower and smaller; 
as the teeth come in wear at different periods the cups in the dif- 
ferent teeth wear away at different ages. Surrounding the cup 
is a thin layer of a very hard substance called the internal enamel ; 
being harder than the rest of the tooth, it wears away more 
slowly and projects above the rest of the surface. 

At six the cups in the lower central incisors are becoming 
small and shallow, but not entirely gone, the cups still being fair 
size in the laterals. 





Eight Years. 



At seven the cups are gone from the central incisors and 
becoming: shallow in the lateral incisors. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 345 

At eight the cups are gone from the lateral and getting shal- 
low in the corner incisors. 

At nine the cups are gone from the corner incisors, and from 
this time on we cannot judge the age with the same degree of 
accuracy. 

We referred above to the internal enamel surrounding the 
cups; when the cup is gone this internal enamel will be recognized 
as a thin, whitish layer, forming an oblong ring in the center of 
the grinding surface; it shows more plainly when the mouth is 
so held that the sun shines on the tooth, or it can be felt by 
passing the finger over the surface. As we have said, when the 
cup is first worn away, the ring is oblong and quite large, but 
as age advances it becomes smaller and rounder, and finally 
disappears entirely; then the surface will feel smooth to the 
touch. After the animal is nine yeas old we note the shape and 
size of this ring of internal enamel in judging the age. 

At ten the ring of internal enamel in the lower central incisors 
is becoming quite small and round, but not entirely gone. 

At about twelve the enamel is gone, or nearly so, from the 
centrals, and small in the laterals. 

At about fourteen the enamel is gone from the lateral incisors, 
and small in the corners. 

At about sixteen the enamel is gone, or nearly gone, from the 
corner incisors; and after this we can judge the age only by the 
general shape of the teeth. 

The foregoing rules are more reliable when the upper and lower 
teeth oppose each other perfectly. Sometimes the upper teeth 
project beyond the lower; if the defect is only slight it will not 
cause much variation; if bad, however, it will prevent judging 
the age, as the lower teeth will not wear away. We also some- 
times find that one side wears faster than the other; upon looking 
at the corner tooth on one side we might judge the animal fifteen 
or sixteen, while the other corner might indicate only twelve. 
So in judging age consider all the points; do not form an opinion 
from one or two teeth. 

In addition to the specific changes in the teeth already 
mentioned there are certain other general changes, which help to 
determine whether a horse is old or voung. 



346 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

As an animal grows older the shape of the arch and also the 
shape of the teeth change. In the young horse, one seven or 
eight, the upper teeth extend nearly straight down and the lower 
up, meeting each other in such a way that the front surface of 
the upper and lower teeth form nearly a straight line; as the ani- 
mal grows older, both upper and lower teeth project forward and 
from an angle with each other, this angle becoming sharper as 
the animal advances in age. 

In the young horse the teeth are broad from side to side, and 
narrow from before back; as the animal grows older the teeth get 
narrower from side to side and wider from before backward. 

In endeavoring to judge the age of a horse, then, first see if 
the upper and lower incisors oppose each other perfectly, and also 
if those on one side of the centrals are wearing the same as those 
on the other; if these conditions exist the age can be judged with 
a good degree of certainty; if they do not, allowance must be 
made for any irregularity. Anyone by using the foregoing rules 
can, with a little experience, become quite proficient in judging 
the age of horses. 

Independent of the teeth, the general indication of old age 
are: Deepening of the hollows over the eyes; gray hairs over the 
eyes and about the muzzle; pendulous lips with a wrinkled 
appearance; sharpness of the withers, sinking of the back, etc. 

The value of an old horse so far as his teeth are concerned, 
will depend very largely upon the condition of the molars, as 
these are really the working teeth. If these teeth are still fairly 
large, their grinding surfaces rough, and the grinding surfaces 
on the same straight line, they are in condition to grind the food 
in good shape; if, on the other hand, they are getting small, the 
grinding surfaces are smooth and some are longer than others, 
not much can be expected of them by way of preparing the food, 
and the animal will be of little value, 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 347 



OPERATIONS 



Whenever it is possible, all operations, except a few simple 
ones, should be left to the veterinarian, but for the benefit of 
those who cannot secure a veterinarian, a few of the operations 
will be considered. 

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS.— Whenever possible, 
deaden the pain of an operation by using either local or general 
ansesthetics. Never inflict unnecessary pain. Secure the animal 
so he cannot hurt himself, or those assisting. Have all instru- 
ments used, perfectly clean, placing them, a little while before 
operating, and keeping them, when not in use during the opera- 
tion, in a solution of Carbolic Acid, Vz ounce, water, i pint. 
Have the hands clean, and operate in a place free from dirt and 
dust. 

LOCAL ANAESTHETICS are those preparations which 
destroy sensation in the part to which they are applied; one of 
the best is a solution of Cocaine; an eight per cent, solution is 
generally used, except when applied to mucous membranes, then 
a five per cent, solution is used. Have a druggist make up the 
solution. In sewing up wounds about the head it is sometimes 
difficult to hold the head still; by rubbing the edges of the wound 
with a little of the solution, all the pain is deadened; in opening 
an abscess, if the skin is rubbed well with a little of the solution 
for five minutes, then wait a few minutes, it can be opened with- 
out pain; very valuable in those places where a little movement 
of the animal is apt to interfere, as about the knee or hock. In 
cutting out tumors, by injecting a drachm under the skin with 
a hypodermic syringe in three or four places around the base of 
the tumor, and then rubbing around the tumor, it can be removed 
with very little pain. Much of the pain can be destroyed by 
rubbing the surface of the tumor as in opening abscesses. A few 
drops of a five per cent, solution dropped into the eye, will destroy 
the pain in operation upon that organ. Never use more than an 
ounce of the solution during an operation, and not much more 
than one-half ounce if injected under the skin. 



348 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

GENERAL ANAESTHETICS.— These are the drugs 
which produce uncousciousuess and loss of sensation. Those most 
used are Chloroform and Sulphuric Ether, and are given by inhal- 
ing the vapor. There is danger, in using them, of their causing 
death by stopping respiration and the heart's action, and so 
they should only be used bj" the experienced, except in extreme 
cases. Anaesthetics should, however, be used in all the severe 
operations. Chloroform is most used with horses and cattle; 
Ether with dogs. The animal is thrown and secured, a sponge is 
then saturated with the drug to be used, and put into a bag 
one-half the size of a grain sack, the nose put into the bag, 
and the bag held fairly tight around the face, below the eyes; 
sometimes a paper flour sack is put inside the other sack, and 
the sponge put into this; with this there is some danger of giving 
chloroform too fast, as some air should always be given with it. 
Another way is to cover the cloth sack with a rubber blanket, and 
this can be held down to prevent the chloroform from wasting, 
and yet kept open enough to admit sufficient air. If the chloro- 
form sack is made of thick canvas it need not be covered at all. 
In case of death, respiration stops a little before the pulse, and so 
this act should be carefully watched, but the finger should also 
be kept on the pulse, and if either of these acts show indications 
of stoppijig, remove the sack at once and let the animal inhale 
the fumes of Ammonia. To tell when the animal is under the 
influence of the drug, the eyeball is touched with the finger; 
when unconscious, he will not wink. The sack is then removed 
and a few breaths of pure air are given, and then the sponge is so 
fixed that he will get a little chloroform with each breath, the 
larger part being air; if he commences to become conscious, more 
chloroform is given for a few seconds, or until he goes under its 
influence again. These drugs affect different animals differently, 
and so each case needs careful attention. From three to four 
ounces of chloroform is required to put a horse under its influence, 
and keep him there an hour. 

THE KNIFE. — Almost any knife will answer for operat- 
ing, if not too large to be awkward to handle. A medium sized, 
one-bladed jack-knife, with a blade some two and one-half inches 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 349 

long and half an inch wide, answers very well. It should be per- 
fectl}'^ clean and very sharp. A dull knife inflicts much more 
pain than a sharp one. The knife is held in different ways; when 
doing careful dissecting, much as a pen is held in writing. When 
a firmer grasp is needed, and the tissue is to be cut down onto, 
hold as follows: open the knife and lay it on the table, sharp edge 
of blade down; now pick it up, clasping the blade between the 
thumb and first finger, a little back of its middle. If the cut is to 
be made by an upward stroke, or where there is to be simply an 
inward thrust and an immediate withdrawal, as in opening an 
abscess, hold the knife as follows: open it and place it on the 
table with back of blade down; now pick it up, clasping the 
blade between the thumb and first finger, just far enough from 
the point to cut the required depth; holding in this way, the 
thumb and finger acts as a shield and prevent too deep cutting. 
Make a cut with as quick a movement as it is safe to make, as 
the pain is less than with a slow movement; also make as few 
strokes as possible, as a cut two inches long made with two 
strokes causes twice the f)ain it would if made with one stroke. 

METHODS OF CONTROLLING ANIMALS.— 
A Twist. — To make a twist, take a piece of fork handle 
about two feet long, and one inch from one end, bore a three- 
eighths-inch hole; through this put a one-fourth-inch soft rope, 
about one and one-half feet long, and tie the two ends together, 
forming a loop. To apply it, take hold of the stick with the right 
hand, slip the left hand through the loop and clasp the upper lip 
well up towards the nostrils; slip the loop off the hand onto the 
lip, and twist the stick until the loop is so small it will not slip 
off. The upper lip is very sensitive and a horse can be held in 
this way and allow operations he would not allow without it. 
Do not turn the twist tighter than is necessary, as it can be made 
a very inhumane instrument, and if twisted too tight, or kept on 
too long, may paralyze the lip. 

Blindfolding. — By blindfolding a horse, he will submit to 
operations he would not submit to, if not deprived of his eye- 
sight. It is always well to blindfold in throwing a horse; he 
will not resist so much. 



350 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

The Side-Line. — This is a means of holding one hind foot 
off the ground, and prevents serious kicking when working about 
the hind legs (see cut). Apply the side-line to the leg that 
is not being operated upon. 

Holding Up One Front Foot is also a means of controlling 
a horse; the foot on the side the operator is working, if about the 
hind legs, is the one to pick up. 

Stocks. — Animals can also be confined in stocks. Tempo- 
rary stocks can be made by setting two posts about three feet 
from the side of a building and eight feet apart; nail on the in- 
side of the posts, up some three feet from the ground, a good, 
strong plank; also nail across from one post to the building a 
strong plank; have one or two rings securely fastened to the 
building opposite the side plank; lead the horse into the stocks 
and pass over the back, and securely fasten to the rings and the 
side plank, a rope, much as a kicking strap is put on a colt. 
This is a good way to secure animals for dressing wounds when 
they are inclined to be vicious. 

Casting'. — The most effectual way to secure a horse is to 
lay him down, but as there is a little danger in this, especially 
with an aged animal, it is not done when other means will answer, 
but in some cases it has to be resorted to. 

There are many ways of casting a horse. The chief point is 
to throw him carefully so as to not injure him in any way. A 
very good way is to put hobbles on the feet, and run a chain 
through the D's and draw the feet all together, having a rope 
running from one arm over the back, to make him fall on desired 
side. A good man should be at the horse's head to prevent him 
throwing it around and falling on it, and thus breaking his neck, 
or lunging forward onto his head. Have a good bed for him to 
fall on. Another good plan, without hobbles, is Rarey's. Tie up 
the fore leg, then tie a strap to the pastern of the other fore leg 
and pass it over the horse's back; standing at the shoulder, push 
him over a step, at the same time pulling up the foot and bring- 
ing him to his knees. He will do some rearing and jumping 
about, but when he gets tired he will lie quietly down, when his 




THE SIDE-LINE. 
See page 350. 




CASTliNti, oH THKuWlNG 
See page 3,'0. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 351 



legs can be tied and held down. To prevent him pounding his 
head, have a good man there, who should put one knee on his 
neck, and turn his nose up at an angle of forty- five degrees. As 
a safeguard against too severe straining, tie a rope from just 
above one knee to above the hock of the leg on the same side, 
and draw the legs as closely together as possible, and confine them 
there. This lessens ability to struggle. The double side-line 
is also used, as per "cut," and as described under Castration. 

OPENING AN ABSCESS.— This is not a difficult opera- 
tion, but if not done properly it is of little use, and is apt to retard a 
cure. When ready to open, ascertain as near as possible where 
the bottom is, and insert the knife at that point, making an open- 
ing quite to the bottom for the escape of the pus. If this is not 
possible, open at the top, and evacuate with a sponge or syringe. 
The main point to bear in mind is to open as near as possible to 
the bottom. A twist on the nose is usually sufficient to keep 
the animal quiet. After opening, flush out well with water, 
using a bulb syringe, and then inject a little Carbolic Acid lotion — 
Vz ounce of the acid to a pint of water. Flush out each day for 
four or five days and then once in two days until healed. If the 
opening gets small before the abscess heals, as it will if the 
abscess is large, enlarge it; if it closes before the abscess heals 
from the bottom, it will form again. In treating old abscesses 
having an inside lining, it is well to inject a drachm or two of 
Iodine into them every other day for a few days. Or, tie together, 
along on a string, a few small wads of cotton batting; saturate 
these with the Tincture of Iodine, and press them into the abscess, 
leaving the ends of the string hanging out. Leave in twenty-four 
hours and then remove by pulling on the string. 

In some cases it is well to poultice an abscess a few days 
after opening; this is especially good if the abscess has just 
formed. 

BLISTERING— (See under "Ring- Bone)." 

PUTTING IN STITCHES.— Following operations, and 
also where the skin and muscles are cut accidently, it is often 
desirable to draw the edges of the wound together with stitches, or 



352 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

sutures. Of these there are four kinds: The interrupted, the unin- 
terrupted, quilled, and twisted sutures. The interrupted suture 
is the one generally used. For this, needle and silk, or silver 
wire, or cat-gut, are needed. Clip the hair from the edges of 
the wound, and be sure that everything is clean. Draw the 
edges of the wound together with a slightly curved needle and 
silk, and when tying the knot give the ends an extra turn in 
making the first part of the knot, which will keep it from slip- 
ping back (the surgeon's knot); then go on and make a hard 
knot in the usual manner, and cut off the silk. Then another, 
and so on. 

The continuous or uninterrupted suture sews up the wound 
by continuing right along, as in sewing cloth, and in tying the 
ends. The quilled suture is when two quills, or pieces of wood, 
are used as skewers, and the end of the silk caught over them, 
the quills being placed one on each side the wound, to prevent 
tearing out. The twisted suture is simply a pin inserted through 
the edges, and a hair, or silk thread, wound around its ends in the 
form of a figure 8. Before sewing up a ragged wound, cut off 
all ragged pieces of tissue from within the wound before drawing 
the edges together; draw the edges so they just nicely touch, 
and leave a little opening at the bottom for drainage. It is hard 
to pass an ordinary needle through the skin, and so it is much 
easier to use a surgeon's needle, or in the absence of this, the 
old-fashioned buckskin needle will answer. 

BANDAGES. — In the treatment of lameness, especially 
strains, when in the legs, and also in the stopping of hemorrhages 
and dressing of wounds, bandages are often used. For lameness 
and dressing wounds, stopping bleeding, etc., coarse, unbleached 
muslin answers very well. For moderate pressure, as in the 
case of wind-galls and stocked legs, the Derby bandage, sold by 
harness makers, is good. Elastic bandages are good when tension 
is required, but need careful attention to avoid irritating the 
skin. Three or four inches is a convenient width for a bandage. 
To apply it, first roll the bandage up into a snug roll, and, com- 
mencing at the bottom of the part to be bandaged, wind it around 
the part, unwinding the roll as it is applied. Keep the bandage 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 353 

smoothed out, and overlap about half each time around; about 
every second or third round, turn the bandage half way over, or 
this can be done at each round; this keeps it tight and in place. 
Secure the upper end of the bandage by tying with a string. 
Bandages should be applied tight when used with strains; loosely 
when used to cover wounds. 

PASSING THE CATHETER.— The catheter is a tube 
for drawing the urine from the bladder. With the horse it needs to 
be a little more than two feet long, and is a tube made especially for 
the purpose. With the mare any small, rubber tube six or eight 
inches long will answer. To pass it into the horse, stand at the 
left side, pass the left hand up into the sheath, get hold of the 
penis and gently draw it down so the end shows below the sheath; 
near the center of the penis will be seen the opening. Have the 
catheter clean, warm, and well oiled with melted lard; take it in 
the right hand, insert the end into the opening in the penis and 
keep gently pushing it in; have an assistant raise the tail and 
watch the skin just below the anus, and when the catheter is 
about two-thirds passed, he will notice the skin bulge outward; 
have him press upward and forward and the catheter will round 
the arch, and can be pushed on into the bladder. In the mare the 
operation is much simpler; the opening into the bladder will be 
found on the floor of the vulva about five inches from the posterior 
opening. The first finger of the right hand can be passed into 
the passage and the opening located, and then the tube can 
be passed with the left hand underneath the right, and directed 
into the opening and pushed on into the bladder, which will be 
only two or three inches. 

FOMENTING. — By fomenting is meant the continual bath- 
ing of a part with hot or cold water. It can be done with a sponge, 
but this is more work and not so effectual as when the part to 
be fomented is wrapped with a heavy blanket and this kept wet 
with hot or cold water; the water should be re-applied at least 
every half hour. For inflamed glands, or where there is great pain, 
use hot water; at other times cold can be used. The effect is about 
the same with either. Lukewarm water is no good. In towns, 



354 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

or in the country where the farm has waterworks, a hose can be 
fastened under the blanket and a stream of water allowed to run 
continuously. Another way to foment the fetlock, or below, is to 

TUB. — This is allowing the horse to stand in a tub of water. 
The end of a kerosene barrel makes a fairly good tub, only it is a 
little small; but if placed in one corner of the stall the horse can 
be made to step into the tub, and tied so he will stand there. Must 
be careful in getting him into it the first time, not to frighten 
him. A tank some eight inches high and three feet square, can 
be made out of plank, that answers nicely for tubbing. The 
water should be changed twice a day, or ice can be added to it 
and the water kept cold in this way. Another way to foment the 
feet, or rather to poultice them — for the two operations are prac- 
tically the same — is to stand the horse in a puddle of blue clay. 
An}^ box large enough, and six or eight inches high, can be used 
to puddle the clay in. 

TAPPING THE CHEST.— In hydrothorax the chest fills 
with water; it is the stage of effusion in pleurisy. The lungs are 
floated up, and suffocation results. The presence of water is 
detected by the solid sound — the sound of fullness — when tapped 
with the hand, and by the absence of the respiratory murmur; 
and often, the splashing of the water by the action of the heart 
can also be heard. 

Clip the hair from a spot about three inches back of the 
elbow, and fiv^e or six inches from the bottom of the chest. 
Ascertain the exact location where a puncture can be made 
without striking a rib, keeping in the middle between two; cut 
through the skin with a knife, then insert the trocar and canula 
and withdraw the trocar, leaving the canula to act as a spout; 
hold a pail to catch the water. Should pieces of lymph clog the 
canula, pass a small probe and push them off the end. Drain off 
nil the water and withdraw the canula. It is often necessary to 
repeat the operation, in which case, use a new opening. Have 
the instrument very clean. 

TAPPING THE BELLY.— In peritonitis the belly often 
fills with water, which can be evacuated by inserting the trocar 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 355 

and canula on the median line, a couple of inches back of the navel, 
following general lines as to care and operation, as in "Tapping 
the Chest." The operation may be repeated, if necessary, but 
make a fresh incision, rather than to insert again in the former 
wound. 

TAPPING THE FLANK FOR FLATULENCE.— 

See "Flatulent Colic." 

THE HYPODERMIC SYRINGE. — This is a small 
S3^ringe, with a hollow needle attached, for injecting medicines 
underneath the skin. To use it, first wash it out with the Carbolic 
lotion, by drawing the syringe full and then forcing it out; then 
draw into the syringe the dose of the medicine, take the syringe in 
the right hand, clasping the needle between the thumb and first 
finger, about an inch from the tip; grasp it firmly, pick up a fold of 
the skin with the left hand, and with a quick thrust, push the 
needle through the skin, and force out the fluid. Medicines can 
only be given in this way when the dose is small and the drugs 
non-irritating. The syringe is used for injecting Cocaine solu- 
tions in operations. 

GIVING A DRENCH.— For holding the horse to give 
medicine from a bottle (see cut) . The twist is put on only moder- 
ately tight, simply to hold the head still and make the horse swallow 
better. Hold the head up with the rope, not with the twist. If 
the ceiling of the barn is high enough, fasten the ring in the 
ceiling well towards the front end of one of the stalls; and when 
giving medicine, back the horse into the stall. The looped strap 
is passed under the noseband of the halter and into the mouth, 
around the upper jaw; see that it does not press the edges of the 
lips in against the teeth. This leaves the tongue and lower jaw 
free for the act of swallowing. If the horse refuses to swallow, 
remove the bottle and tickle the roof of the mouth with the 
finger. Medicine can also be given, when the dose is small, by 
throwing it into the back part of the mouth with a hard rubber 
syringe. 

TUMORS AND THEIR REMOVAL.— Tumors may be 

described as any unnatural enlargement upon the bodj'. TLey 



356 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

differ very much in nature and structure, some being composed of 
the same kind of tissue as that in which they are found, others 
being made up of an entirely different tissue than that which 
surrounds them. The tendency with some is to keep on growing; 
others remain the same size after once formed. Some tumors 
can be removed; others, on account of their location, or structure, 
cannot be removed. 

To remove tumors, some, if not too large, can be absorbed 
by using Iodine Ointment, see treatment for "Abscesses." Others 
have to be dissected out. To dissect out, large blood vessels 
must be guarded against. Control the animal by some of the 
methods, a twist is frequently enough; use Cocaine to deaden 
pain, see "Local Anaesthetics" in this section. With a sharp 
knife make a cut up and down through the skin, over the center 
of the tumor; then dissect the tumor from the skin, first on one 
side, then on the other, and then dissect the tumor from the tissues 
underneath it. If any large blood vessels are cut, twist them, 
or take up and ligate, see "General Treatment of Wounds." 
After the tumor is out, remove a little of the skin from each edge 
of the cut, so it will lie close and not form a pouch when sewed 
up. Sew up the upper part of the skin wound, leaving the lower 
open for drainage; follow with treatment as for an ordinary 
wound. If there is some thickening left after wound has healed 
use the Iodine Ointment. 

TRACHEOTOMY.— This is opening the trachea, or wind- 
pipe, and inserting a tube into it, to prevent death from threatened 
suffocation. The tube should be three-quarters of an inch in diam- 
eter, curved so as to slip into the windpipe easily, with a plate at 
the end, of like material, to tie to the neck to keep it in place; 
silver or hard rubber tubes are generally used. Open the skin by 
an incision about two inches long, at a point about eight inches 
below the throat, where the windpipe is close to the surface; 
divide the muscles, and lay bare the windpipe; then cut out a 
circular piece, including two rings, making a hole large enough 
to insert the tube. Once a day take out the tube, clean it with 
Carbolic lotion and replace as soon as possible. The tube may 
be removed for good when the cause of suffocation is removed. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE 357 

The wound will soon heal. While the operation seems somewhat 
dangerous, it is simple; the principal point is to have instruments 
clean and not to drop the circular piece cut out, down into the 
trachea. The operation becomes necessary sometimes in bad 
cases of distemper or laryngitis. 

SPAYING. — This operation is rarely ever performed on 
mares, except in case of disease, and as it is a dangerous opera- 
tion, should only be performed by a skilled man. It consists in 
removing the ovaries. 

FIRING (ACTUAL CAUTERY).— This is burning with 
a red-hot iron to set up a great amount of counter-irritation or 
inflammation. It is mostly used for ring-bones, spavins, curbs, 
and sprains of the back tendons. It should never be performed 
except by a veterinarian. 

There are a large number of other operations performed upon 
the lower animals, but they are of such a nature that only the 
veterinarian should perform them. 



CATTLE 

THEIR DISEASES AND TREATMENT 



ANATOMY OF CATTLE 



Each of the bones and joints of the ox receive the same 
name as the corresponding ones in the horse, but there are a few 
important points of difference in the structure of the skeleton. 
The ox has thirteen pairs of ribs, while the horse has eighteen 
pairs. The breast-bone or sternum is much larger and flatter 
than in the horse, and the cartilages of the ribs Attach to it with 
true joints; this is important to keep in mind, tor when there is 
any disease of lungs or chest in cattle, they always lie down, as 
when they take that position, the chest is expanded and animal 
gets more relief than when standing. In the horse the case is 
reversed, the ribs and the breast-bone being so formed that the 
chest is contracted when lying down, hence in diseases of the 
lungs, the horse stands instead of lying down. 

The bones of the head in the ox differ from those of the 
horse in being very heavy and wide at the upper part of the 
skull, and the skull has a bony projection at each side, called the 
"core of the horn." This is important to know in dehorning, 
and all interested in that work should become familiar with the 
fact. This projection, or core of the horn, is hollow, which is a 
continuation of the sinuses or cavities of the bones of the head. 
Attached to the core of the horn and covering it, is the horn itself. 
Another point of difference between the ox and the horse, is that 
there are in the heart of the ox two small bones, called cardiac, 
or heart bones. There are no such bones in the horse. One 
more point of difference is that the bones of the feet of the ox are 
divided into two parts, while in the horse they are without 
division . 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 359 



THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION.— 

The Upper Lip of the ox is thick, hard, and hairless, the 
color varying with the color of the animal, and when in good 
health this part is alwaj-s moist; it is called the muzzle. 

The Cheeks on the inside are covered by numerous little 
processes, which give them a very rough appearance. 

The Tongue of the ox is stronger than that of the horse, 
is more prehensile, and is very thick and heavy at the base; it is 
pointed at the front end, and the upper surface is very rough. 
It is by means of the tongue that food is gathered and taken into 
the mouth. 

The Salivary Glands are similar to those of the horse. 

The Teeth are much differently arranged from those of the 
horse; the ox has no front teeth in the upper jaw, their place 
being taken by a pad of cartilage or gristle. The lower row of 
teeth presses against this pad in grazing, and its function is that 
of teeth, but it may be easily seen that cattle cannot thrive on as 
short pasture as though they had both lower and upper incisors. 
The front teeth of the lower jaw are eight in number, chisel 
shaped, and set loosely in the gum. The molars are similar to 
those of the horse, but are smaller, and not so smooth on upper 
surfaces. These are twenty-four in number, which, added to the 
eight front teeth, give a total of thirty-two teeth 

The Soft Palate of the ox is small, and does not close the 

opening from the mouth to the pharynx as in the horse. 

The Pharynx in the ox is much larger than in the horse. 
The esophagus, or tube of the throat, which conveys the food 
to the stomach, is well developed; the fibres in it are very strong 
and have a double action. When the animal is eating thej' carry 
the food from the mouth down into the stomach, but during the 
time of ruminating, they act in a reverse manner, conveying the 
food from the stomach to the mouth, and returning it again to 
the stomach when sufficiently masticated. 



36o THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

The Stomach is a very important organ to study, for cattle 
suffer much from diseases of the stomach. The stomach of the ox 
has a capacity of about sixty gallons, and has four compartments. 
The first is the paunch, or rumen; the second is the reticulum, 
or honey-comb; the third is the omasum, or many plies; and the 
fourth is the abomasum, or true stomach. The first three prepare 
the food for the fourth, where the real process of digestion is 
carried on. The paunch, or rumen, is very large, and in an old 
animal it fills up nearly three-fourths of the belly cavity; it lies up 
against the left side of the belly, where it is attached and held in 
place by ligaments. Its situation is important to remember, for 
in many of the diseases of the paunch, or rumen, it is first noticed 
on the left side, and in tapping the paunch for bloating, the 
entrance is always made on the left side, on account of its position. 
The paunch has two openings, an entrance and an exit, both of 
which are in front; the food passing from here into the reticulum, 
or honey-comb, which is the smallest division of the stomach. In 
this the entrance is at the front, and exit is at the rear; its oflSce does 
not seem marked in food preparation, but may help in preparing 
the food to return to the mouth for remastication. From the retic- 
ulum the food passes into the third part, or omasum, which is the 
second largest division of the stomach. When full, it is ovoid in 
shape, and placed just behind the reticulum and at the right side of 
the paunch. This, if examined, is found to be full of folds or layers 
of membrane. The function of this part is, while food is passing 
through, to draw into its folds all the coarser parts of the food 
and to roll the same about until finely divided and well prepared 
to pass on into the abomasum, or true division of the stomach, 
where it is digested. When this part becomes deranged and the 
food becomes dry and hard between the folds, it then sets up the 
disease called "impaction of the omasum, or manyplies," or dry 
murrain. The food passing from here, as stated, goes into the 
fourth or true stomach. Here the food is digested. The walls 
of this part are redder than those of the preceding three, and they 
contain the glands that secrete the acids and gastric juices of the 
stomach, to aid in the work of preparing food for assimilation; this 
stomach corresponds to the stomach of the horse. From here the 
food passes into the small intestines. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 361 

The Bowels, or Intestines, of the ox are divided into large 
and small, the same as those of the horse, being similar in struc- 
ture and in action. The small bowels are not quite as large as 
those of the horse, but about twice as long, being about 150 feet 
in length. The large bowels are very much smaller than those 
of the horse, being only two to three inches in diameter, and 
are about thirty-six feet in length. 

When the fourth stomach has completed its work in the 
process of digestion of the food, it passes into the small intes- 
tines, and is acted on by the bile from the liver, and the pancreatic 
juice from the pancreas — these juices being emptied into the first 
part of the intestines through little ducts or tubes which lead 
down to the bowels the same as in the horse. After this, through- 
out the rest of the bowels, the nourishment of the food is taken 
up by little villi which are situated in the coats of the bowels, and 
the nourishment, when once in the blood, is carried out to all 
parts of the body, while the part that is not taken up, passes on 
and out in the form of manure. 

THE LIVER.— The liver of the ox resembles that of the 
horse, but differs in that it has a gall-bladder resembling a pear 
in shape, and acting as a vessel to store up the gall during the 
time there is no digestion going on. During time of digestion, 
the walls of this vessel contract and the bile is forced down into 
the intestine. 

THE PANCREAS.— The pancreas resembles that of the 
horse ; the juice secreted by it having the same office to perform 
as in the case of the horse. 

THE SPLEEN. — The spleen is the same in structure and 
use, but different in shape; it is oblong, and attached to the 
rumen. 

THE RESPIRATORY, OR BREATHING OR- 
GANS. — The organs of respiration in the ox are similar in 
structure and office to those of the horse, but in general are not 
so liable to disease, except tuberculosis, perhaps, which is some- 
what common with cattle and rarely affects horses. 



362 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

THE URINARY ORGANS.— The chief point of differ- 
ence in these organs is in the kidneys, which in the ox are larger 
than in the horse, and instead of being smooth as in that animal, 
are rough, resembling a bunch of grapes. The bladder and 
passages resemble those of the horse, except that in the cow just 
back of where the urethra opens into the vulva, is a little blind 
depression which bothers in passing the catheter. 

THE GENITAL ORGANS OF THE COW.— 
The Ovaries of the cow are smaller than those of the mare, 
but are much the same in structure. 

The Womb of the cow is somewhat like that of the mare, 
but the inside surface is different, being covered with button-like 
processes, very small when the animal is not pregnant, but 
increasing with gestation until, at the time of calving, they are 
nearly as large as a man's fist. These are called " cotyledons". 
The placenta, or after-birth, is attached to these, and some study 
should be given to them and their office by every stockman, since 
they are associated with some of the troubles attending calving. 
The passage, or vagina, is formed on the same principle as in the 
mare, but is not so long. The vulva is much the same, but the 
clitoris is very small. 

The Udder, Mammary Glands, or Bag, should be pretty 
well understood. The bag is divided into halves, and these 
halves again divided, each part being known as a quarter of the 
bag, each quarter having a mammary, or milk gland, and a sinus, 
or pouch, to hold the secreted milk until the cow is milked. The 
sinus is situated just above the passage of the teat. 

THE GENITAL ORGANS OF THE BULL.— 
The Testicles. — The testicles are ovoid and well developed, 
lying vertical instead of horizontal as in the horse. The sper- 
matic cord and artery are small, when compared with the horse. 

The Penis. — The penis is long and pointed, and has an 
S-shaped curve in it, when not projected, just below the pubis 
or hip-bones; this curve may be felt with the fingers (if the bull 
don't object), just in the rear of the scrotum. The sheath is long 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 363 

and runs farther forward on the belly than with the horse, and 
has a tuft of hair on the point. When the penis is extended 
forward, as in serving a cow, the S-shaped curve of the penis 
straightens. The S-shaped curve prevents the passage of the 
catheter through from the end of the penis, as in the horse. The 
urethra has to be cut into just below the anus, where it rounds 
forward. 



ACTION OF REMEDIES IN CATTLE 



On account of a different make-up, remedies work quite dif- 
ferently in cattle than in the horse. Medicines should, as far as 
possible, be given them in liquid form, and in more bulky form than 
for the horse. The medicine should also be given slowly, as the 
chances are better for it passing into the fourth stomach. Cattle 
also take from one and a half to two times the dose taken by 
horses. 

Aloes, though so excellent a purgative for horses, is not a 
good remedy for cattle, while Epsom Salts, that are cold and 
drastic for horses, on cattle work like a charm. Calomel and 
other forms of mercury act violently on cattle, salivating them 
soon, and in milch cows is excreted through the milk, affecting 
sucking calves seriously. Oils, used as purgatives, do not work 
very well on cattle; melted lard is perhaps the best. Mustard, 
as a blister, acts with more vigor on cattle than on the horse, but 
Turpentine acts with less. 



364 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

PULSE, RESPIRATION AND 
TEMPERATURE 



The normal pulse in cattle varies from fifty to fifty-five beats 
per minute; in old animals, and in calves especially, it is more rapid. 
The pulse is the most conveniently taken on the under border of 
the lower jaw, just in front of the angle, the same as with the 
horse. In health it is softer and less tense than it is in the horse. 

The respiration requires no special skill to diagnose; this 
will come with practice. The soft, rustling sound of the healthy 
"respiratory murmur," when the ear is placed to the chest, is 
altogether changed when there is any disease affecting the lungs 
or air passages. The number of respirations in cattle per minute 
(usually twelve to eighteen) can be easily counted by the heav- 
ing of the chest. Some practice is required to make one a good 
judge of sound as obtained by percussion, which in health is 
always clear and resonant. Percussion consists in placing the 
forefinger of the left hand upon the chest, and striking it smartly 
with the ends of the first three fingers of the right hand. 

The temperature in cattle — as in all animals — is an index of 
great value. It can only be arrived at, with any degree of satis- 
faction, with what is called a "clinical thermometer," which is so 
shaped that when taken from the body the reading remains the 
same until shaken down. It is inserted into the rectum and left 
two or three minutes and then removed and read. The normal 
temperature of cattle is about loi degrees, a little higher than 
the horse. A rise of temperature above the normal is called a 
fever. 

OTHER INDICATIONS OF DISEASE.— A "staring 
coat," as it is termed, in which the hairs stand like bristles, is an 
obvious symptom, and sometimes the only one, of a low state of 
health. Shivering, when animal is only exposed to moderate 
cold, or none at all, should receive prompt attention; for it is 
infallibly the ushering in of an attack of disease that is usually 
severe. Cold sweat coming out on the skin of an animal severely 



DISEASES OF CATTLE , 365 

ill, indicates a desperate if not a fatal condition. The posture 
when standing, the method of lying down or getting up, the 
action in moving around — all these are significant, and should be 
noted carefully. 

The countenance, and especially the eye, will betray the dis- 
tress and pain which the dumb sufferer is unable to express in 
words. The muzzle, which in health is moist — covered with 
"dew" — in fevers especially, becomes unnaturally hot and dry, 
or cold, and sometimes changed in color — sometimes paler but 
more commonly injected with blood. One of the earliest signs of 
constitutional disturbances, as well as of special disorders, is the 
suspension of rumination — ceasing to chew the cud. In the case 
of milch cows, a nearly coincident symptom is the drying up of 
the milk. 

Inasmuch as cattle are not subject to the same conditions as 
the horse in many respects, diseases of some parts of the body are 
very much less common, although exclusiv^e of lameness, nearly 
all the diseases of the horse are met with in cattle. In this work, 
where the treatment is the same, the reader will be. referred to 
the treatment as given for the disease with the horse. To find 
the page in which the disease is described, unless given at the 
time, refer to the index. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY 
ORGANS 



CATARRH, OR COLD IN THE HEAD.— Simple cold, 
or catarrh, is inflammation, more or less acute, of the membrane 
lining the nose and passages of the head, generally implicating 
the eyes and throat. Neglect in attending the early symptoms 
frequently occasions diseases of a more serious nature. 

Causes. — Damp, drafty, badly drained stables; but generally 
from exposure to storms, and sudden changes in the weather. 



366 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

• 

Symptoms.— There will be more or less fever, as indicated by 
the thermometer; sneezing; cough sometimes accompanies; 
mouth is hot and nose dry; horns hot at the base and cold at 
tips; ears and extremities are cold. Discharge from the nose is 
at first watery, but in a day or two becomes purulent. E3^es are 
red and swollen, and inclined to weep. If not relieved, symptoms 
become aggravated; pulse rapid and hard; no appetite; urine 
scanty and high colored; bowels very apt to be constipated. 

Treatment. — 

Put animal in a comfortable, dry place, and give a small 
dose of Epsom salts (5^ to i pound); repeat in two days if bowels 
do not respond; give light, laxative food, and also the treatment 
as for the disease in horses, remembering that the dose is one and 
a half to two times as large. Steaming the head is as valuable as 
with the horse, and is done in the same way (see page 75). 

MALIGNANT CATARRH.— This is a malignant disease 
affecting the chambers of the head, and causing offensive discharges 
from the nose. These at first are watery, but later on they 
become purulent, and in last stages are accompanied with exten- 
sive sloughing. It is contagious. 

Causes. — Are not very well known, but thought to be due to 
minute organisms, perhaps belonging to the bacteria. 

Symptoms. — It is ushered in with a chill, with all the attend- 
ing symptoms of fever; the muzzle is hot and dry; animal hangs 
his head and isolates himself in the pasture ; membranes are of 
a bluish color; eyes are closed and swollen ; soon nose and eyes 
begin to run a watery fluid, and saliva drools from the mouth. 
Pulse is quick and not very strong; a dry, hard cough ensues; 
bowels are usually costive, feces being black and hard, but diarrhea 
may set in at any time. There is great thirst, but no. appetite, 
and urine is scanty and high colored. In the course of twenty-four 
hours discharges become purulent, taking off the hair wherever 
they touch; passages of the head become so much inflamed and 
filled with matter, that when head is tapped on the outside v.ilh 
the fingers, a dull, heavy sound is heard. Breath becomes feti<', 
and temperature rises to 105 to 107 degrees. There is exter.s ■'. c 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 367 

sloughing in last stage. Prostration is great; pulse becomes 
faint; convulsions follow, and a great fall in temperature; in some 
cases ulceration of the cornea takes place, letting out the humors 
of the eye. Death follows in from nine to eleven days. 

Treatment. — 

Put the animal in an isolated place, and have it cool in 
summer and warm in winter. Give a purgative to clear the 
bowels (i to i}( pounds of Epsom Salts); also use the following 
to try and check the fever: 

Fluid Extract Aconite i^ drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed i " 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, three to five times a 
day. 

If fever runs very high give 2 drachms of Acetanilid and 
2 ounces of Alcohol in half a pint of water, twice a day. 

After two days, drop the Aconite from the foregoing pre- 
scription and put in the prescription in its place ^ ounce of 
Digitalis. Also steam the head, as in simple "Catarrh." Put 2 
teaspoonfuls of Carbolic Acid in the water from which the steam is 
generated; also put in a little Camphor. The steaming is very 
important, and can be kept up most of the day. If the eyes 
become badly affected, treat as for " Inflammation of the Eyes." 
After the animal commences to improve, use tonics, as with 
"Chronic Indigestion." To prevent the spread, thoroughly dis- 
infect where the animal is kept. 

SORE THROAT— LARYNGITIS.— This is an inflam- 
mation of the larynx, or upper part of the windpipe. 

Catises. — Are usually those of a common cold, but some ani- 
mals seem predisposed to it, a slight exposure bringing on an 
attack. 

Symptoms. — Animal may appear hungrj^, but does not eat, 
owing to inability to swallow; respiration becomes quick, painful 
and hurried; pulse is rapid; there is more or less fever, and if 



368 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

water is taken, some of it is likely to return through the nostrils, 
owing to inflamed throat. Head hangs; ears droop; and saliva 
runs from the mouth. 

Treatment. — 

Give the same treatment as" Laryngitis " in the horse, remem- 
bering that the dose for cattle is one and a half to two times that 
for the horse. Also remember that the medicine is to be given 
in the form of a paste. Steam the head and apply liniments and 
fomentations to the throat as for the horse (see page 80) . 

MALIGNANT SORE THROAT.— This is a disease that 
centers itself in the throat in form of acute inflammation, followed 
by an effusion that is apt to cause suffocation by closure of the 
larynx. It is fatal to cattle; also to swine, in which it is known 
as "Quinsy." 

Causes. — Probably due to some infection. 

Symptoms.— li starts like a common cold-fever — injected 
mucous membranes, cough, etc.; throat swells enormously; tongue 
becomes spotted with purple and is protruded; animal gasps for 
breath, until at last he falls suffocated, struggles a little and dies. 
Disease usually attains its height in three or four days. 

Treatment. 

Use the same treatment as for simple " Laryngitis. " Give 
the medicines in the form of a paste. Steam the head, using 
Carbolic Acid in the steam as for "Malignant Catarrh. ' ' Also use: 

Chlorate of Potash i ounce. 

Chloride of Iron 6 drachms. 

Water i pint. 

Mix. Inject 2 ounces well back into the 
mouth and throat, four or five times a day. 

If speedy suffocation is threatened, the operation of trache- 
otomy must be performed (see Operations) . 

Apply liniments and fomentations to outside of the throat. 
The animals that die should be buried deeply. 



DISEASES OF CATTEE 369 

BRONCHITIS. — This is an inflammation of the mucous 
membrane lining the bronchial tubes, which extend from the 
lower end of the windpipe into the lungs. 

Causes. — Exposure accompanying a common cold; or from the 
extension of inflammation in cases of catarrh and laryngitis. 

Symptoms. — Loss of appetite; a peculiarly anxious expression 
of countenance; the respiration is painful and a slight grunt is 
noticed at each breath; a husky, wheezy and painful cough; on 
placing an ear to the windpipe, in the early stage, j'ou get the 
tubular sound as with the horse, and later you get the rale. The 
temperature is elevated and pulse rapid and soft. Disease reaches 
its height in two to four days, and in favorable cases begins to 
abate in from five to eight days. 

Treatment. — 

Put in a dry, warm, and well-ventilated place, but avoid 
drafts. Apply Mustard paste mixed up with water, or water 2 
parts and Ammonia i part, and rub well in at the base of the neck, 
over the windpipe, and on the sides. Keep body warm by 
blanketing. Use injections per rectum, to keep the bowels soft; 
avoid violent purgatives, but ^ pound of Epsom Salts may be 
given every second or third day. Aside from above, give treatment 
as for the disease in the horse (page 85), giving nearly twice the 
dose given to the horse. 

FILARIA BRONCHITIS; HOOSE OR HUSK.— This 
is a disease that afflicts young cattle and sheep, more than older 
animals, for the reason, perhaps, that they graze closer than 
older animals, or else the parasites affect them more. It is caused 
by a parasite (strongylus micruris) , the eggs of which are swal- 
lowed in feeding. 

Symptoms. — There is a slight husky cough; the coat soon 
becomes staring; and the breathing more and more embarrassed. 
Cough becomes more frequent, and in character more suffocating 
and more mucus ; worms, either single or in greater number, 
will be coughed up. 



370 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

'Treatment. — 

Feed liberally with nutritious diet, including I^inseed meal 
and roots, giving in the food. 

Turpentine 1% ounces. 

Raw Ivinseed Oil i pint. 

Give as a dose night and morning for two or 
three daj-s, then discontinue for two or three 
days, then give again. For yearling calves give 
one-fourth the dose. 

Burn turpentine on pine shavings in the pen with the calves, 
•and let them inhale the fumes, or burn a little sulphur; care 
must be taken not to suffocate. The following is perhaps the 
.most effectual treatment: 

Turpentine 15 drops. 

Carbolic Acid 5 drops. 

Chloroform 8 drops. 

Olive Oil I drachm. 

Give as one dose by injecting into the wind 
pipe with a hypodermic syringe; insert the 
needle of the syringe in between two of the 
rings and inject slowly. The dose is for a good 
sized calf; it can be doubled for adult animals. 

Prevention is better than cure. Stock should be kept off 
affected pasture, and cattle must not be allowed to drink from 
stagnant ponds. The drainage of low pastures should be looked 
after. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS — PNEU- 
MONIA. — This is an inflammation of the lung tissue. 

Causes — May come from a cold, exposure, etc., but oftener 
from the inflammatory conditions of bronchitis, or laryngitis 
extending into the lungs. 

Symptmis. — This disease is preceded with a chill, staring 
coat, loss of appetite, cessation of ruminating, and if a milch 
cow, loss of milk. The pulse is soft, full, and quick; respiration 
rapid and heavy; temperature, 104 to 107. When the sides are 
tapped, a dull, heavy, full sound is heard, and on listening with 
ear to side, a crackling sound is heard, but in later stages there 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 371 



will be no murmur in affected parts; in early stages expired air 
is hot; later is cold; ribs are fixed, breathing being done by the 
abdominal muscles; flanks heave, nostrils are dilated, and coun- 
tenance has anxious appearance. In second stage, temperature 
generally drops i to 2 degrees; respiration difiicult; cough painful 
and frequent; animal lies down most of the time; when standing 
fore legs are wide apart and elbows turned out; looks haggard; 
extremities alternately hot and cold; crackling sound no longer 
heard; and percussion gives dull sound. If one side only is 
affected, well side will show increased murmur. 

Treatment. — 

Place in a light, well ventilated box stall, and give the best 
of care and nursing. Feed laxative foods, and give small doses 
of Epsom Salts, 3 or 4 ounces daily; keep fresh water before 
the animal. Aside from the foregoing give the animal the same 
medicinal treatment as was recommended for the horse (see 
page 90) ; remembering that the dose is i ^ to 2 times as large. 
Use the Mustard or liniment applications to the chest freely. In 
some instances hot applications in the form of hot water bottles 
could be used to advantage. Blanket warmly. If seen during 
the chill, stop it as soon as possible, as recommended for the 
horse. 

PLEURISY. — This is an inflammation of the pleura, or 
serous membrane which lines the chest cavity, and which is 
reflected over the lungs. If this disease is not attended at an 
early stage, its usual termination is hydrothorax, or water in the 
chest. 

Causes. — The same causes which bring on inflammation of 
the lungs, bronchitis, and other diseases of the respiratory 
organs. Also external injuries to the chest, broken ribs, etc. 

Symptovis — There is more or less fever; quick pulse, but 
small and hard, inclining to be wiry; breathing is quick and pain- 
ful; elbows turned out; ribs are fixed, and breathing is done by 
abdominal muscles; a crease is seen extending from the elbows 
along toward the flanks, where ribs join the cartilages of the 
chest. Inspirations are short and imperfect, while the expirations 



372 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

are prolonged and more easily affected. Pressure between the 
ribs causes pain, and a rasping sound is heard when the ear is 
applied to the sides; head hangs low; ears droop; nose is dry; and 
though eyes are partly shut, the countenance has an anxious 
look. There is no appetite; flanks are tucked up; hacking, pain- 
ful cough; pains in chest cause animal to turn the head around 
to his sides. Unlike pneumonia, tapping on the ribs produces a 
clear, resonant sound, and causes pain; the expired breath is not 
hot, and there is no mucus rale as in bronchitis. 

Treatment. — 

Give the same general care as recommended in "Bronchitis" 
or "Pneumonia. ' ' Give 3 or 4 ounces of Epsom Salts daily, unless 
bowels act freely. Apply strong Mustard paste or Turpentine 
liniment to the chest and the internal treatment as for the horse 
(see page 91), giving nearly double the dose. If water collects in 
the chest, it is recognized and treated as given under "Hydro- 
thorax." 

HYDROTHORAX-WATER IN THE CHEST.— 

This is not a disease in itself, but is simply a condition where an 
excessive effusion of water takes place into the chest cavity in 
pleurisy. 

Symptoms. — As soon as an effusion commences to take place, 
pain ceases, respiration is deeper, longer, and less painful; elbows 
no longer turn in; appetite returns; eyes get bright; and to a 
causal observer, animal appears to have taken a decided turn for 
the better. After a short time, however, there are unfavorable 
symptoms, as flapping of the nostrils, quick labored breathing, 
heaving of the flanks. The legs and chest become dropsical; 
eyes sparkle and countenance has an anxious look. No respira- 
tory murmur is heard at the bottom of the chest, but increased 
at upper part, and later, a splashing may be heard when water 
reaches the heart. Percussion on ribs produces a full, dull sound 
at the lower part of the chest; pulse rapid, but small, and gradu- 
ally fades away. Death comes from suffocation, the water 
crowding the lungs into too small a space in the upper part of 
the chest. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 373 

Treatment. — 

If the drugs recommended for pleurisy have been given 
liberally, and yet the fluid has collected, medicinal treatment will 
fail; if the drugs have not been given, and the chest is not more 
than one-third full, by giving them, the fluid may be absorbed. 
If it cannot be removed in this way the chest will have to be 
tapped (see Operations). Continue treatment, as chest is apt to 
refill. See the disease in the horse (page 92). 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 



WOUNDS AND CONTUSIONS OF THE LIPS.— 

Cazises. — From a blow by the horns of other cattle; from the 
whip of a driver of oxen; or from the bite of a snake. 

Symptoms. — As a result of a bruise the lips are thick and 
swollen, and if neglected become hard and indurated, so much so 
that it is diflBcult to eat. In such cases the tongue is made use 
of to endeavor to gather and bring into the mouth the desired 
food. In case of snake-bite the swelling limits are not well 
defined; and it is soft and comparatively painless. If the skin is 
broken it will at once suggest the trouble. 

Treatment. — 

For a bruise, bathe the affected parts steadily three or four 
hours, twice a day with hot or cold water. Also bathe well with 
White lyOtion, and the Turpentine, Witch Hazel, and Soap 
Liniment (see Prescriptions, back part of book). If the skin is 
broken, treat as for "Wounds" in the horse (page 262). If from a 
snake-bite, make a cut through the center of the wound and then 
another at right angles to the first. Press a wad of cotton 
against the wound until the bleeding is nearly stopped, and then 
apply the following lotion several times a day: 

Permanganate of Potash 2 drachms. 

Water i pint. 



374 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

As snake-bites are likely to result in depression, and later 
stupor, it is advisable to give }i pint of Whiskey in a pint of 
water, repeating only often enough to prevent sinking into a 
stupor. 

SLAVERING, OR SALIVATION.— This is a dribbling 
of saliva from the mouth. 

Causes. — From a wound or the presence of any foreign matter 
in the mouth or teeth; from eating irritating plants, such as wild 
mustard; from the use of mercurial ointment; or as a symptom of 
other disease. 

Treatment. — 

This will depend on the nature of the cause. Examine to 
see if any foreign body is in the mouth. If from eating irritating 
plants, dissolve an ounce of powdered Alum in a quart of water, 
and syringe out the mouth with the mixture twice a day, using 
a half pint each time. If from the presence of a thorn, splinter 
of wood, or any foreign substance imbedded in the cheek or 
tongue, remove the offending object and wash the mouth occasion- 
ally with a weak solution of Carbolic Acid and water, % ounce 
to the quart; do not allow the animal to swallow much; also use 
the Alum solution. When the condition is produced by some 
disease, as by "Foot and Mouth Disease," follow the treatment 
given under the disease causing the trouble. 

IRREGULARITIES OF THE TEETH.— This may be 

occasioned by the unequal wearing of some of the teeth or by 
some of the incisors being broken, which occasionally happens in 
cattle pastured on sandy or gravelly soil. The molars may also 
show irregularity from similar causes. Their edges may become 
sharp, or it may happen that a molar tooth has been accidentally 
fractured. In shedding, the loosened teeth get partially dislodged 
and cause trouble. 

Treatment. — 

Examine the animal's mouth by grasping the tongue with 
one hand and partially drawing it out of the mouth, so as to expose 
the incisors and molar teeth for inspection. When it is desired 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 575 

to examine the molars with the fingers, an instrument like the 
balling-iron which is used for horses, or a large clevis held up 
edgewise, should be put into the mouth to separate and keep the 
jaws apart. Any sharp edges must be removed with a rasp. 
Any chance tooth that interferes with mastication, or any frac- 
tured or loose one should be taken out. In performing such 
operation it is advisable to have animal cast and to hold the head 
securely, so the operator can do what is necessary without diffi- 
culty. Whenever possible secure a veterinarian to operate if it 
becomes necessary to remove sound teeth. 

CAPS ON THE TEETH— This sometimes occurs in 
cattle between the ages of 2 and 4 years, when they are shedding 
their milk grinders. Instead of teeth dropping out as they 
should, caps hang on the new teeth, causing them to fester at the 
roots, and causing a lump on the jaw-bone. 

Symptoms. — Animal will hold its head to one side; has diffi- 
culty in eating, and sometimes spits the food out; will fall off in 
condition, and in time a lump will form on the jaw-bone opposite 
the festered tooth. 

Treatment. — 

Examine the mouth carefully until the capped tooth is 
found. This will be known by the tooth projecting above its 
neighbors. When found, remove with pincers, or even a ham- 
mer, and a long, somewhat blunted, chisel, by tapping gently 
until cap is knocked off. 

DECAYED TEETH (CARIES) IN CATTLE.— 

Symptoms. — The presence of decayed teeth may be suspected 
by the bad odor of the breath, and by the animal occasionally 
stopping while eating, and perhaps spitting out the food, and 
holding the head sidewise. If the mouth be examined, as directed 
in "Irregularities of the Teeth," and then explored with the 
hand, the bad tooth will be found. 

Treatment. — 

Have animal tied short and have the tongue pulled out and 
held. Then remove the tooth with a pair of large pincers, or by 



376 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

forceps for that purpose. When the crown of the tooth has been 
destroyed, and only a stump, or root, is left, it cannot be drawn, 
but can be punched out; in such cases, if animal can be fattened, 
it is best to sell it to the butcher. If ugly, animal will have to 
be cast. Get a veterinarian to operate, if possible. 

LUMPS ON THE JAW-BONES FROM TEETH 
OR FROM INJURY.— 

Causes. — As stated in heading. 

Treatment.— 

If caused from a cap staying too long on the tooth, causing 
the roots to fester, remove the cap; do not pull the tooth at first, 
but try a blister on the lump. Use the Spanish Fly and Mercury 
blister (see "To Blister," page 257); or the Iodine Ointment, as 
used in "Abscesses," can be used. If the blister is used, repeat 
the treatment in four or five weeks, if necessary. If this treat- 
ment does not stop the lump from growing, throw the animal and 
pull the tooth with forceps. If the cause is from injury, treat as 
above. ' For other information as to lumps on the jaw, see 
"Actinomycosis of the Jaw-Bones." 

INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE. — GLOSSI- 
TIS.— 

Causes. — From eating irritating substances; from eating acid 
plants; or little blisters may form in the mouth of calves when 
having indigestion, constituting what is termed "Aphtha;" also 
from injuries from various kinds. 

Symptoms. — The saliva dribbles from the mouth, and when 
examined, the surface of the tongue and other parts of the mouth 
will appear red and inflamed. In the case of calves, in the form 
of disease called "Aphtha," small, red elevations are seen on 
tongue and other parts of mouth, having little white points on 
their centers. These white patches are succeeded by ulcerated 
surfaces, which are exposed by the shedding of the white patches. 
In some cases the tongue is so badly swollen as to protrude from 
the mouth. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 377 

Treatment. — 

When there is merely a reddened and inflamed condition of 
the mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue, syringe the 
mouth several times a day, using about 4 ounces at a time of the 
following: 

Alum 2 ounces. 

Water I quart. 

When the edges of the tongue and other parts of the mouth 
are studded over with ulcers, these should be rubbed over once a 
day with the Nitrate of Silver, using the Nitrate of Silver pencil, 
or by holding a large crystal in a pair of forceps. 

When indigestion is associated with an ulcerated condition 
of the mouth, the disorder should be treated as indicated under 
that heading. 

GANGRENE OF THE MOUTH IN YOUNG 
CALVES— GANGRENOUS STOMATITIS.— This affec- 
tion usually appears in young calves about the time they are 
cutting their teeth. 

Causes. — Insufficient nourishment; debility resulting from 
diarrhea, and from inflammation of the navel, predisposes animals 
to this disease, and its development is associated with disorder 
of the digestive system resulting from the cutting of teeth. Adult 
animals have been known to be affected with the disease, but the 
cause is not well understood. 

Symptoms. — In early stage there is redness of the mouth, 
from which the saliva dribbles, but in two or three days a whitish 
point appears on some part of the mucous membrane of the mouth. 
It gradually extends in size and depth, and a red, inflamed zone 
surrounds the affected part, which begins to present a yellowish, 
cheesy appearance, and then, as it begins to break up and decom- 
pose, exhales a fetid, disagreeable odor. Sometimes the entire 
thickness of a portion of the tissues composing the cheek become 
gangrenous. If decaj'ed part is not removed with a knife, it is 
gradually separated from surrounding living tissue by the process 
of ulceration. In some cases a hole will be made through the 
cheek through which the saliva is ejected in process of mastication. 



378 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

It may be complicated with diarrhea and consequent weakness. 
Malady often terminates in death, and runs its course in from 
seven to ten days. In adult cattle, recovery does not take place 
under three to four weeks. 

Treatment. — 

For the calf, give 5 to lo grains of Quinine, according to 
size and age of animal, and repeat dose four times a day. If 
diarrhea is present, give L,ime- water in ^ -ounce doses. When 
animals show signs of debility, or diarrhea is present. Whiskey or 
Brandy, in i -ounce doses, should be given three or four times a 
day. Mix with two or three parts of water. It may also be 
given when appetite is poor, two or three times a day. To cleanse 
the mouth and remove odor, syringe several times daily with the 
following solution: 

Permanganate of Potash 2 drachms. 

Water i quart. 

When the gangrenous part has sloughed, then use White 
IvOtion (page 263), and a Carbolic Acid lotion (Carbolic Acid, 
^ ounce to a pint of water) , Swab the raw surface several times 
a day to promote healing. The diet should be nutritious, and for 
calves the cow's milk is to be preferred. When the gangrenous 
tissue assumes a yellow, cheesy look, the animal's recovery 
will be hastened by removing the dead tissue with the knife. 
During the convalescent stage, give, in combination with the 
Quinine, Sulphate of Iron. For calves, give it in 10 to 20-grain 
doses, and to cows in 2 -drachm doses. 

CHOKING. — This is a rather common occurrence on the 
farm. 

Causes. — From attempting to swallow too large an object, 
such as a turnip, potato, beet, or an apple or pear, though in 
rare cases it may occur from bran, chaff, or some other finely 
divided food lodging in and filling up a portion of the gullet. 
The latter form is most likely to occur in animals which are 
greedy feeders. 

Symptoms.— Animal will stop eating, slaver at the mouth, 
cough, breathe heavily, and after a time become bloated in 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 379 

paunch, which is noticed on left side. Will also keep chewing, 
poking out the nose, and swallowing, and when it drinks water 
it is soon ejected, and there is seen an anxious expression on the 
countenance. If the choke takes place in the neck region, the 
enlargement will be seen on the left side. 

Treatment. — 

If the obstruction is in the back part of the mouth, or upper 
part of throat, put a clevis in the animal's mouth, so the hand 
can be inserted, then while the head is held in a horizontal 
position by two assistants, pass the hand into the mouth and take 
out the offending object. An assistant to manipulate the obstruc- 
tion on the outside, and push it up against you, will help in the 
removal. If the object cannot be reached, give carefully a swallow 
of melted lard, then try by manipulation on the outside, until 
the lard works around it, to move it downward to the stomach. 
If this fails, pass the probang (see "Choking," in the horse, page 
105). The one-half inch hose answers very nicely— making it stiffer, 
if necessary, with the wire. Two assistants, by taking hold of the 
horns and nose, can straighten the head out nearly straight. 
The probang does not bother cattle in breathing as much as it 
does horses, and is easier to pass in cattle. Where the animal is 
badly bloated, and efforts to press the object down fail, tap on 
the left side with a trocar and canula, or even with a knife (see 
" Tympanites " for tapping.) 

If the obstruction is very firmly lodged, use the Belladonna 
along with the lard, as recommended for the horse. Never use 
a rake-handle, or anything rigid, for a probang, as is so often 
done; if you do the esophagus is almost sure to be injured. 

LOSING THE CUD — REMASTICATION.— It was 
once thought, and perhaps still supposed by some, that the ox 
sometimes loses his cud, and that something must be given him 
to take its place, and so old rags, pieces of pork, and various 
other substances were pushed into his throat to act as a new cud. 
In order that such a ridiculous practice may be discontinued by 
those who refer to this book, an explanation of the cud and how 
it is disposed of will be given 



38o THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

All those animals which remasticate their food, when fed, 
eat hastily, very imperfectly chewing the food and swallowing 
it in a very poorly masticated condition; food swallowed in this 
condition passes into the large paunch, and when this organ is 
opened the food in it is always found to be very coarse. After 
eating up its feed the animal goes and lies down and commences 
to chew its cud, or remasticate the food, and appears perfectly 
happy. In order to get the food back to the mouth a small 
portion of this coarse food from the paunch is thrown, by an 
action very much like vomiting, into the lower end of the 
esophagus, and this organ, by reversing its action, commences to 
contract at the lower end first, and forces the food back into the 
mouth. This portion of food constitutes the cud, or bolus. The 
animal now chews this very thoroughly, putting it into excellent 
shape for digestion; when the chewing is completed the bolus is 
swallowed, not stopping in the paunch, but, by a peculiar struc- 
ture of the parts, passes directly into the third, and from that 
into the true stomach and on into the intestines, never again to 
return to the mouth. Almost as soon as the bolus has been 
swallowed, another portion of the food from the paunch is thrown 
into the esophagus and carried back to the mouth, constituting a 
new cud. The process is repeated over and over again, until the 
animal is satisfied; then the process of remastication is suspended 
for a time, to be continued again when the sense of hunger 
returns. Each* cud is a new one. Not all the food is remasti- 
cated; some of it passes from the paunch on into the second and 
third stomachs without going back into the mouth. Almost any 
disease will cause an animal to stop chewing its cud, simply 
because it has lost the desire for food; when the disease is over- 
come and the appetite returns, the animal will again commence to 
remasticate without being given any artificial cud. 

BLOATING— HOVEN— TYMPANITES— This disease 

is characterized by swelling of the left flank, and is caused by the 
formation of gas in the rumen, or paunch, as the result of fer- 
menting food. 

Causes. — Choking, sudden changes in food, wet clover, or eating 
frozen roots of any kind. Anything which will cause acute 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 381 

indigestion. Very often caused by turning cattle into luxuriant 
pasture when not used to green feed. 

Symptoms. — The abdomen is very much enlarged, and espe- 
cially the left flank; by tapping with the fingers on left side over 
the paunch, a hollow, drum-like sound is emitted. Animal has 
an anxious expression of countenance, moves uneasily, and is evi- 
dently distressed. If flank is pressed in with fingers, it springs 
back quickly. If relief is not obtained in time, the animal 
breathes with difiiculty, reels in walking or standing, and in a 
short time falls and dies from suffocation. The distension may 
become so great in some cases as to cause rupture of the stomach. 

Treatment. — 

In mild cases medicinal treatment may be of value, but in 
severe cases tapping should be resorted to at once, as the danger 
of the operation is very slight, and it relieves the suffering to a 
great extent almost immediately. 

For medicines give the following: 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Jaborandi 4 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Calibar Bean i drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Hyposulphite of Soda 4 ounces. 

Water, to make i pint. 

Shake. Give as one dose, and repeat in 
one-half hour if necessary. 

If these drugs are not at hand, give a good dose of Ginger, 
or an ounce of Turpentine in a pint of Oil. 

A piece of fork handle held in the mouth as a bit will some- 
times help in getting rid of the gas. 

If the bloating continues, tap the animal. Cattle are tapped 
in the left flank, in the center of the triangle, or where the bloat 
is most prominent. Use the horse trocar and canula, as it is 
smaller, and yet answers every purpose. To tap, wash the 
instrument first in the Carbolic lotion (see Operations) , and have 
the point of the trocar sharp; also wash place of tapping with 
Carbolic lotion; place the point of the trocar against the flank, 
direct it downwards and forwards, and push it in nearly the 



382 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



whole length ; withdraw the trocar and the gas will escape. If 
it is necessary to tap a second time, do so in a slightly different 
place. In absence of a trocar and canula, a knife and a quill 
can be used; insert the small blade of a knife, and when it is 
withdrawn, put in the quill. Every stock owner should have a 
trocar and canula, as this disease so frequently occurs, and it 
generally develops so rapidly that there is no time to send for 
help. The gas can be removed by passing the hollow probang 
(see "Choking"). 

Even if the animal is tapped, the medicines should be used 
to pass the fermenting mass onward, and after the acute symp- 
toms have passed off, give a good physic — 1% pounds of Epsom 
Salts, and 2 tablespoonfuls of Ginger, in 2 quarts of water. Give 
for a week or two the digestive tonics, as recommended under 
"Chronic Indigestion, "and see that the cause producing the dis- 
ease does not again occur. 

IMPACTION OF THE RUMEN, OR PAUNCH.— 

This is a case where the animal's paunch is so filled with food 
that it causes temporary paralysis, and the whole mass lies like 
so much soggy material in a leather bag. 

Causes. — From taking a large feed of straw, or bulky food — 
engorging itself; from getting loose and eating too largely of 
grain; or eating freely of food that animal is unaccustomed to. 
Getting into a grain field, or at a bin of grain, is most common 
cause. 

Symptoms. — In some cases there is slight bloating, while in 
others there is no bloating at all; animal is uneasy, makes a 
grunt, or groan, every time it breathes. If a milch cow, the 
milk flow will fall off in one night. The nose will be dry; 
breathing and pulse will be quickened, and animal will keep 
getting up and down, and will not take much food or water. On 
pressing the flank with the closed fist the indent of the hand 
remains for a short time in the flank, as if the rumen were filled 
with a soft, doughy mass. Tapping over the stomach gives off 
a dull, heavy sound. Bowels are costive, and the passages are 
dry and slimy-looking, with a bad odor. If the animal has eaten 
a very large amount, the left flank will be distended; the history 
of the case helps diagnose. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 383 

Treatment. — 

Give a dose of physic as follows: 

Epsom Salts 1% to 2 pounds. 

Bicarbonate of Soda i ounce. 

Ginger i " 

Dissolve in 2 quarts of lukewarm water and 
give as a drench. 

Also give the following to assist in passing the mass along: 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia i ounce. 

Sulphuric Ether _^ " 

Fluid Extract of Jaborandi 2 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of CalibarBean % drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica i>^ drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Give as one dose and repeat three or 
four times a day until the animal is relieved. 

If there is great pain, also give 5 grains of Morphine three 
times a day. If the bowels do not move freely in thirty-six 
hours, repeat the dose of Epsom Salts, and if, after thirty-six 
hours longer, the mass is still unmoved, give i pound of Epsom 
Salts along with 2 to 4 drachms of Gamboge, or ^ to i drachm 
of Croton Oil; if the oil is used, give it in a pint of raw Linseed 
Oil. It is also good to give a quart of melted lard a day from 
the beginning of th$ attack. Give the animal all the water it 
wishes, but not too large an amount at one time. Give only a 
little sloppy food. If the medicine fails to have the desired effect, 
rumenotomy may be performed. This is opening the rumen 
through the flank and taking out the material. It requires a 
veterinarian. Where an animal has eaten a very large amount 
it might be best to have the operation performed at once, as the 
chances would be less than those taken by trying to get rid of 
the mass by the use of medicines. After the mass moves on out 
of the stomach, feed carefully and use the tonics as for "Chronic 
Indigestion," continuing their use for a week or two. If, during 
the course of the disease, there is bloating, give 4-ounce doses of 
Hyposulphite of Soda in i pint of water, three or four times a 
day, or tap (see "Tympanites"). 



384 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

IMPACTION OF THE MANYPLIES, OR THIRD 
PART OF STOMACH.— MAW-BOUND.— The omasum, 

or third stomach, is the stomach with a great number of leaves, 
arranged so as to rub constantly on one another, keeping up a 
grinding action on the food, as it passes between them. Sometimes 
this part becomes firmly packed with food, which does not pass 
on, and the disease is produced. 

Caicses. — From eating dry and over-ripe food that has little 
nourishment. In the spring, when cattle are turned out early, in 
trying to get at the new grass, they fill themselves with the old 
dry grass, and this lodging in the omasum, sets up an impaction 
of it. Is also caused by eating dry, dead grass late in the fall, or 
by keeping largely on straw or corn-stalks during the winter. 

Symptoms. — It comes on gradually as an ordinary case of 
constipation, with abdominal pain, a looking around to the right 
side, and disinclination to move. Kicking at belly with hind 
feet, grunting at nearly every breath; later fever sets in, and 
slowly increases as the disease makes progress; there may be 
some tenderness in the right side, just below the ribs. The pulse 
becomes more rapid and at the last, weak. The colic pains and 
fever grow more intense; animal makes attempts to manure, but 
only a few hard pieces are passed; delirium and vertigo set in, 
and death follows if not relieved. The symptoms resemble 
closely those of impaction of rumen, except that the left flank is 
normal, and there is no bloating. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment is the same as for "Impaction of the Rumen;' * 
use the melted lard freely; give water freely. Injections of 
warm, soapy water per rectum may be used as in "Impaction of 
the Large Intestines' ' in the horse (page 121). This disease cannot 
be relieved by an operation, as can impaction of the rumen. Upon 
examining the omasum after death, it is found to be filled in 
between the leaves with layers of very hard, dry food, and when 
the food is removed, the covering of the leaves comes off. 

VOMITING. — This is not a very common affection in 
cattle, but it sometimes occurs. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 385 

Causes. — From some irritation of the first or fourth stomach; 
eating indigestible material, as old clothes, or a boot, or it may- 
result from indigestion. 

Symptoms. — Animals that vomit are usually in poor condi- 
tion. After eating tranquilly for some time, the beast becomes 
suddenly uneasy, arches the back, stretches the head and neck, 
and suddenly ejects a greater or less amount of the contents of 
the rumen. In a little while after this, uneasiness subsides, and 
the eating is resumed as though nothing had happened. 

Treatme;nt. — 

Give easily digested food and plenty of water. In order to 
allay the irritation of the stomach the following should be given: 

Chloral Hydrate ^ ounce. 

Subnitrate of Bismuth 3 drachms. 

Thin Linseed Gruel i pint. 

Repeat dose as conditions seem to require. 

If there is reason to suspect that something indigestible has 
been eaten and does not pass on, give the following physic: 

Epsom Salts i pound. 

Salt 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Mix in a quart of lukewarm water and give 
as a drench. 

Also give the stimulating mixture as is recommended for " Im- 
paction of the Rumen," repeating two or three times a day for 
two or three days, and then give the tonics as for "Chronic Indi- 
gestion." 

SUB-ACUTE INDIGESTION— OFF-FEED.— This is 
a disease in which the digestive function is more or less imper- 
fect. 

Causes. — The condition is most often caused by high feeding, 
especially with grain. Quite frequently seen in fattening ani- 
mals, and also in dairy cows. Poor food may also cause the con- 
dition. 

2S 



386 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — The first thing noticed, the animal leaves a part 
or all of its grain, and takes but little coarse feed; animal also 
shows some dullness; after a day or two bowels are sluggish. 
The symptoms resemble, somewhat, impaction of the rumen, but 
are milder. If not relieved, the more severe symptoms of im- 
paction may present themselves. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as an animal is seen to leave a part of its grain, cut 
down the feed at once, or let them go without for a feed or two. 
Give a dose of Epsom salts — i^ pounds — and an ounce or two 
of Ginger, in 2 quarts of water; also use the following: 

Fluid Extract Nux Vomica i >^ drachms. 

Fluid Extract Jaborandi 3 drachms. 

Fluid Extract Calibar Bean i drachm. 

Aromatic Spirits Ammonia i ounce. 

Water, to make i pint. 

Shake. Give as one dose, and repeat three 
or four times a day, until animal is eating again. 

Give a little sloppy diet if he will eat. After commencing 
to eat be careful about overfeeding again, and give the tonics as 
for "Chronic Indigestion" for two or three weeks. 

CHRONIC INDIGESTION.— This is a condition in which 
the digestive organs are only partly performing their function, 
the condition having existed for some time. 

Causes. — The cause is generally due to poor feed, or to too 
long continued high feed. Cattle are not so subject to the disease 
as horses, yet it is not infrequent. 

Sympto7ns. — The animal is unthrifty, is not doing well, hair 
is harsh, skin harsh and dry; animal is dull; the appetite may 
remain good, or be capricious, one day eating well, another day 
eating but little; increase of feed produces little or no improve- 
ment in the animal's condition; if a cow, milk secretion is small. 
The feces are dry and hard. 

Treatment. — 

Give the animal the best of feed, roots, or silage, if possible, 
.along with clover hay and bran, oats and corn, and a little Linseed 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 387 

meal. If bowels are costive, give a i -pound dose of Epsom Salts, 
repeating once a week; also use the following tonics: 

Gentian y^ pound. 

Bicarbonate of Soda ^ " 

Nux Vomica )^ " 

Arsenic r drachm. 

Mix. Dose : Tablespoonful morning and 
night in moistened grain. 

At noon give a tablespoonful of the following: 

Sulphate of Iron 4 ounces. 

Saltpeter 4 " 

Mix. 

Or the following iron mixture may be used: 

Liquid Chloride of Iron 2 ounces. 

Nitro-hydochloric Acid 2 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: i ounce, diluted in 8 ounces 
of water. 



HAIR, OR BINDER TWINE BALLS, OR CON- 
CRETIONS. — These may be found in rumen or paunch, or in 
the reticulum or second stomach. In calves, foreign substances 
are sometimes found in the fourth stomach. 

Causes. — Hair balls are caused by animals licking each other 
in spring, when the hair is loose, and this hair collects in a ball 
in the stomach. In the case of binder twine, the cattle get the 
twine from eating straw which has been bound with twine, and 
this collects and forms into balls. 

Symptojtis. — The symptoms of these foreign bodies are not at 
all characteristic; if in the first or second stomach they produce 
but little trouble, the animal acting normal; when in the fourth 
stomach, substances are apt to cause more irritation, and produce 
symptoms similar to inflammation of the stomach, or impaction. 
Upon opening the stomach of cattle which have been slaughtered 
for meat, foreign bodies of various kinds are frequently found, 
having produced no apparent disturbance. 



388 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Inasmuch as the exact condition can 'not be recognized, 
symptoms only can be treated; if they are like those of inflam- 
mation of the stomach, treat as for that; if there is impaction, 
treat that. If there is good reason to believe that there is some- 
thing in the rumen, rumenotomy could be performed. See "Im- 
paction of Rumen." 

INFLAMMATION OF THE ABOMASUM, OR 
FOURTH PART OF THE STOMACH.— This disease is 
more common in calves than in older cattle. 

Catises. — It is caused by eating frozen roots, or grass, and 
also by eating over-ripe food. In calves it is caused from chang- 
ing too suddenly from sweet to sour milk; in the case of young 
calves, especially, this change irritates the stomach and sets up 
disease. 

Symptoms. — First there is diarrhea, then constipation, chang- 
ing from one to the other every day or two; animal breathes 
quickly and groans with pain; nose is hot and dry; belly has a 
tucked up look and is sore to pressure; the legs and ears are cold. 
The pulse is rapid and hard, the temperature elevated; animal 
refuses all feed. 

Treatment. — 

To calves give the following drench: 

Raw Linseed Oil . % pint. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i o drops. 

Laudanum i drachm. 

Mix and give as a drench. 

Give the belly a good rubbing with Mustard and vinegar; 
blanket to keep warm, and place some hot salt in a bag over the 
back, and after this give a teaspoonful of Laudanum and lo drops 
of Fluid Extract of Belladonna in ^ cup of milk three or 
four times a day, until it gets relief; i drachm of Subnitrate of 
Bismuth, divided into three powders, and one given in a little 
thin gruel three times a day is also good. If it will drink, give 
it small quantities of new milk, and every time it is fed, put a 
teaspoonful of baking soda in the milk. 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 389 

To old cattle give the following: 

Raw Linseed Oil i pint. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Laudanum i ounce. 

Mix and give as a drench. 

Afterward give the following: 

Laudanum i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite Root 15 drops; 

Mix in a pint of water and give as a drench 
three times a day until relieved. 

Subnitrate of Bismuth in 2-drachm doses, in a little thin 
gruel, three times a da)', is also good. Clothe the body well and 
put hot salt in a bag to the back. Feed soft food and give luke- 
warm water to drink. 

DIARRHEA, OR SCOURS. — Diarrhea results either 
from increased action of the muscular coat of the intestines, or 
an increased secretion of the juices, or from both of those con- 
ditions combined. 

Causes. — Food taken in excess, or of improper quality; ex- 
cessive secretions, especially bile; impure water, and water drunk 
in excess; mechanical congestion of the intestinal vessels; acute 
or chronic inflammation of the bowels; sudden change in feed. 
Exposure to changes of temperature, either of heat or cold, may 
produce it. May be a symptom of other diseases. 

Symptoms. — In severe cases, the animal is dull, places its 
feet well under its body, arches its back, and shows thirst. Pas- 
sages from the bowels are frequent, at first consisting of thin 
dung, but as disease advances they become watery and offensive 
smelling, and may even be streaked with blood. Frequently the 
malady is accompanied by fever, great depression, loss of 
strength, rapid loss of flesh, and it may terminate in death. Mild 
cases simply show a too fluid condition of the droppings. 

Treatment. — 

When the disease is from irritating properties of food, give 
a mild purgative, as a pint of either Linseed or Castor Oil. 



390 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

And also give the following: 

Laudanum ij^ ounces. 

Bicarbonate of Soda i ounce. 

Water I pint. 

Shake. Give as one dose; repeat three or 
four times a day until condition stops. 

Alternate with the above, in bad cases: 

Copperas Yz ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Shake. Give as one dose, and repeat three 
times a day. 

If these fail to check, use the following: 

Corrosive Sublimate 7 grains. 

Water i pint. 

Shake. Dose: >2 to i ounce, repeated three 
or four times a day. 

This is very poisonous, and care should be taken to use it as 
directed. 

Give dry feed, limit the water, giving Linseed meal, starch, 
or flour gruel. If the animal will eat, give dry, burned flour. 
The doses given are for the adult; give calves about yV the 
dose. See "White Scours" for the disease in calves. If there is 
great prostration, blood in passages, and pain, see " Dysentery." 
When the condition is a symptom of some other disease, that dis- 
ease must also be treated. 

DYSENTERY— BLOODY FLUX. — Dysentery begins 
with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon, but 
may extend until all the bowels are involved. 

Causes. — Feeding musty hay and grain, or other forage in 
like condition ; acid, poisonous plants ; bad water ; sequel of 
neglected diarrhea; or following almost any debilitating disease. 

Symptoms. — Animal eats slowly, ruminates less frequently, 
and walks slowly. There are sometimes colic pains. As dis- 
ease advances, animal ceases to eat and chew the cud, the muzzle is 
dry, eyes sunken, coat rough, and the skin dry and hide-bound; 
Stands with the back arched. At first, bowels act irregularly. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 391 

passages are thin, then become fetid, and are streaked with 
blood; pulse rapid and weak, temperature elevated. Disease 
may or may not run a rapid course, and, when fatal, the lining 
of the bowels will be found thickened and reddened at some 
points, showing ulceration at others, and on some portions of its 
surface covered with a layer of mucus. There is more or less 
mucus passed along with the droppings during the course of 
the disease, giving them a slimy appearance. 

Treatment. — 

The disease is treated much the same as "Diarrhea," starting 
in with the Oil; also use the Ivaudanum, but the astringents more 
especially are needed in this disease; use the Copperas solution 
part of the time and part of the time, in its place, use the following: 

Acetate of Lead i drachm. 

Water I pint. 

Shake. Give as one dose, and repeat two or 
three times a day. 

The Corrosive Sublimate solution can also be used, as with 
"Diarrhea. ' ' Also use the gruels and burned flour. Blood flour is 
also excellent for this trouble; give an adult animal from 2 to 
4 tablespoonfuls in a pint of warm water. 

With this disorder also use the following as a stimulant, and 
also to allay the fever: 

Fhiid Extract of Aconite i^ drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Alcohol 5 ounces. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, three or four times 
a day, in ^ pint of water. 

If necessary to continue for more than two or three days, 
leave the Aconite out of the prescription, and put % ounce of 
Fluid Extract of Digitalis into the prescription in its place. 

After recovery, use for a couple of weeks the tonics as for 
"Chronic Indigestion." 



392 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

COLIC— 

Causes. — From drinking copiously of cold water, which pro- 
duces cramps of stomach and bowels; or from a change of food, 
especially if green or frozen. Not as common a disease with 
cattle as with horses. 

Symptoms. — There is some distension of the abdomen, but no 
accumulation of gas. As distension and pain occur immediately 
after drinking, there can be no question as to cause. The animal 
is uneasy; lies down and gets up; stretches out and strikes the 
feet against the belly; moans, and looks around at the side, show- 
ing distress. 

Treatment. — 

Walk the animal about for ten minutes. In some cases the 
walking exercise will result in a diarrhea, which will bring about 
a cure for the disorder. In case the pain persists, give the fol- 
lowing: 

Sulphuric Ether i ounce. 

Ivaudanum i " 

Warm water i pint. 

Give as one dose, and repeat in an hour if not 
relieved, and again in two hours if necessary. 

In an emergency, when the medicine is not to be had, give 
4 ounces of Whiskey mixed with a pint of warm water, or a 
tablespoonful of Ginger may be given in the same way as the 
remedies already mentioned. Do not exercise beyond a walk. 
Give one of the colic mixtures as recommended for the horse 
under ' 'Colic' ' (page 115). Hot applications to the loins or abdo- 
men, if possible, will be of great value. 

DEPRAVED APPETITE — PICA. — Cattle suffering 
from this disease have a capricious and variable appetite as 
regards their ordinary food, but show a strong liking to lick and 
eat substances that healthy cattle show no inclination for, such 
as lime, earth, coal, gravel, or even the dung of other cattle. 

Causes. — Bad food, especially food that has undergone 
changes, which lessens its digestibility and nutritive qualities, is 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 393 

a common cause. Cattle pastured on low, swampy land are pre- 
disposed to it. It occasionally happens that one individual suf- 
fers, though all are fed alike; in such case the trouble must arise 
from a lack of assimilation. 

Symptoms. — In addition to licking and eating strange things 
as above noted, animals affected with this ailment fall off in con- 
dition, their coats become staring, the gait slow. 

Treaiment. — 

Give tieatment as for "Chronic Indigestion." 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS— ENTER- 
ITIS. — This is an inflammation of the lining and also the 
muscular wall of the bowels, and is quite different from the 
inflammatory stage of dysentery. 

Catises. — From eating various poisonous substances, either 
animal, vegetable, or mineral; it may follow a too sudden 
checking of the' diarrhea; drinking of ice-cold water may produce 
it; or exposure to a cold, damp wind, or any influence that sud- 
denly chills the surface of the body may act as a cause. 

Symptoms. — There is constipation, such feces as are passed 
being hard, dry, and mucus coated, and sometimes offensive and 
bloody; high fever with quick, hard pulse; dry mouth, with fur 
over tongue and cheeks; great thirst; appetite fails, and in cows, 
the milk; rumination is stopped; colic pains may occur, although 
pain is more apt to be constant; more or less pain is produced by 
pressing against the right flank; breathing is labored, and more 
or less bloating may be noticed; urine is scanty and high colored; 
back is arched, animal moans, grinds his teeth, and refuses to 
move; pulse graduallj'- becomes imperceptible, and extremities 
are cold; and in fatal cases, death follows in a day or two. The 
high temperature and rapid, hard pulse helps distinguish this 
from the other diseases of the digestive organs. 

Treatment. — 

If the inflammation is caused by irritating poisons, either 
vegetable or mineral, give thin Linseed gruel freely ; and from 
whatever cause, a liberal amount of the gruel is good ; it helps to 
unload the bowels without irritating them. Give water in small 



394 'THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

quantities very frequently. Give i -ounce doses of laudanum 
five to seven times a day, and also the following : 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract Aconite i]^ drachms. 

Saltpeter 2 ounces. 

Liquor Ammonia Acetatis Bounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, four times a day in 
a half pint of water. 

The Ammonia Acetate solution may be left out if not at hand. 

Apply hot blankets to the loins and right flank ; apply as 
hot as the animal will stand, and change every half hour. If the 
weather will not permit of using hot water, rub on a little 
Turpentine liniment or Mustard plaster and apply hot salt bag. 
If animal recovers, feed carefully for some time, and give half 
doses of tonics as for " Chronic Indigestion." 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LINING OF THE 
BELLY CAVITY— PERITONITIS.— This is an inflamma- 
tion of the membrane lining the cavity of the belly, and covering 
the bowels and other abdominal viscera. 

Causes. — From standing in a cold rain, or wind, after being 
warmed up and sweating; or from being wet and afterward lying 
out on the cold ground. It may also be caused by wounds pene- 
trating the abdomen. Sometimes follows castration or spaying; 
sometimes follows parturition. 

Symptoms. — Continuous or occasional shivering; animal lies 
down, but acts uneasy; often turns the head toward the flanks 
and lows plaintively; pressure on flanks produces pain; no appe- 
tite; muzzle dry, and no rumination; while standing, legs are 
placed well under body; pulse small and hard; temperature ele- 
vated; dung small and hard. If disease is complicated with in- 
flammation of the bowels, pain is more severe and animal more 
restless. The skin is cold and dry in early stage, but when more 
advanced, this condition may be succeeded by heat of skin and 
quick breathing. The fits of trembling, uneasiness, small and 
hard pulse, elevated temperature, and tension of left flank with 
pain upon pressure, are symptoms the presence of which are 



DISEASES OF CATTEE 395 

indicative of the disease. Symptoms are very much like inflamma- 
tion of the bowels, only not quite so severe, and disease runs a 
slower course. If from wounds, the presence of these help to 
diagnose. 

Treatment. — 

When from injury by the horn of another animal being 
thrust through the abdominal walls, or when resulting from 
castration, give special treatment, as indicated under the title of 
injury, and follow general treatment as here given: 

The body should be warmly clothed, and it is advisable when 
practicable, to have a blanket, which has been wrung out in hot 
water, placed over the abdomen, then covered with several dry 
blankets, which are kept in place by straps or ropes passed 
around the body. If the animal is lying down the straps are not 
necessary. The wet blanket must be changed as often as it cools 
(every half hour) , the object being to draw the blood to the surface 
of the body, and relieve internal parts. If for any reason the 
wet blanket had best not be used, as in a cold stable, apply Tur- 
pentine liniment or Mustard paste to the abdomen, and put hot 
salt bags under the woolen blankets. 

Internally, use the same treatment as recommended under 
"Inflammation of the Bowels," the disease first preceding this, 
for the first two or three days, then change the prescription and 
give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Digitalis 6 drachms. 

Iodide of Potash 6 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, three times a day. 

If a large amount of fluid should collect in the abdominal 
cavity, treat as recommended under the next disease. 

DROPSY OF THE BELLY— ASCITES.— In this 
disease there is a watery effusion into the cavity of the abdomen. 

Catcses. — From peritonitis, or acute, or chronic diseases of 
the liver. Also from a run-down condition, resulting from poor 
feed. 



396 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — A gradual increase in the size of the belly at its 
lower part, while the flanks become hollow; pallor of the mucous 
membrane of the mouth and eye; weak, sluggish gait; want of 
appetite, and irregularity of ruminating. On percussion, or 
tapping of the surface of the abdomen with the fingers, a dull 
sound is produced. If hand and arm are oiled and passed into 
the rectum as far as possible, on moving hand from side to side, 
the fluctuation caused b}' the presence of fluid in the abdomen 
may be felt. The fluctuation may also sometimes be felt by 
pressing in suddenly in the lower part of the right flank. 

Treatment. — 

Give nutritious food, and use the Gentian and Nux Vomica 
tonic, as recommended under "Chronic Indigestion," along with 
the last preparation as given under " Peritonitis." But give the 
tonic in thin gruel, so as not to throw the animal off its feed. 
If the bowels are sluggish, give >^-pound doses of Epsom Salts 
every three or four days. If this treatment fails to reduce the 
amount of fluid, the abdomen will have to be tapped. This is 
done the same as for Tympanites (see that disease) , except that the 
trocar and canula is introduced a few inches back of the navel, 
on the underside of the abdomen. Push the instrument in only 
far enough to go through the wall, withdraw the trocar and 
the fluid will flow out through the canula. Continue the internal 
treatment after tapping. 

CONSTIPATION. — This is a condition which exists when 
there is not sufficient moisture in the stomach and bowels, and 
the feces are passed tardily and in hard, dry lumps. 

Causes. — From the too free use of dry, over-ripe feed ; from 
insufficient or impure water ; from too little exercise. It is often 
symptomatic of other disease, especially that of the liver. Calves 
sometimes suffer from constipation immediately after birth. 

Symptoms. — It is recognized by the hard, dry manure, which 
is also sometimes glazed. Animal may not care to eat or drink, 
and the muzzle is dry. It is apt to run into inflammation of the 
bowels, colic or impaction if not overcome. If a symptom of 
other disease, the symptoms of that disease will be present. 



DISRASKS OF CATTLE 397 

Treatment. — 

Give the same internal treatment as recommended under 
"Sub- Acute Indigestion; Off-Feed." Also give laxative food, 
and plenty of pure water to drink. If a mild case, laxative food, 
with a handful of salt and plenty of water may be all that is 
required. Injections into the rectum of warm water and soap 
are of much benefit in aiding either laxatives or purgatives. 
When a sj'mptom of a disease, treat as indicated under the 
affection. 

In the case of calves suffering from constipation immediately 
following birth, give an ounce or two of Castor Oil shaken up in 
an ounce of new milk. The dam's milk is the best preventive of 
this trouble, as it contains laxative substances which help in 
unloading the bowels. Inject a little warm, soapy water into 
the rectum. If the oil fails, give i or 2 ounces of Epsom Salts 
in 4 ounces of warm water, and also a little of the mixture as 
recommended above. 

INTESTINAL WORMS IN CATTLE.— Cattle are less 
infested with worms than any other species of domestic ainmals, 
and it is rarely necessary to apply treatment for the removal of 
these parasites. Tapeworms and round worms are, however, 
sometimes found in the intestines of cattle. Tapeworms more 
often than the round ones. 

Sympio77ts. — An examination of the manure is the only cer- 
tain method of making sure that there are worms in the bowels, 
and if present the worms will be found to some ext'ent in the 
droppings. In some cases the animal may fall off in condition, 
though the appetite may be very good. 

Treatment. — 

For tapeworms, feed lightly for a day or two and then give % 
ounce of Oil of Male Fern twice a day in a pint of milk for three 
days in succession, and follow the last dose with ij4 pounds of 
Epsom Salts. 

For round worms give 2 drachms of Sulphate of Iron, three 
times a day, mixed in moistened grain, and after three days' 
treatment with this, give the Epsom Salts as above. Oil of Tur- 
pentine may be given in doses of i ounce with a pint of milk or 



398 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

raw I^inseed Oil, or Santonin in i -drachm doses in feed, to be 
followed by the purgative as described. In treating calves, which 
are more apt to be infested with worms than older cattle, give 
from one-quarter to one-half the dose given above. 

WOUNDS OF THE ABDOMEN. — A wound of the 
abdomen may merely penetrate the skin, but as such cases are 
not attended with much danger, the purpose of this article will 
be to consider more especially those wounds which penetrate the 
entire thickness of the walls, and expose, to a greater or less 
extent, the organs contained. 

Causes. — B}^ falling on sharp o'^jects that penetrate; by a 
blow from the horn of another anima ; incautious use of caustics 
in treating hernia. 

Symptoms. — When the wound is small, at first the bowel 
exposed looks like a small round tumor, but in a few minutes a 
loop of intestines may emerge from the opening. Animal will 
then show symptoms of severe pain, by pawing with his feet, 
which will accelerate the passage of new loops of the intestines, 
so that the)' may in some cases reach the ground. The pain now 
is so great that the animal becomes almost frantic. 

Treatment. — 

In case the bowels are torn and bruised, there is nothing to 
do but to slaughter the animal at once. If the parts have not 
been lacerated, the bowels should be cleaned by pouring tepid 
water over them and then Carbolic Acid lotion, as in cleaning the 
vagina in e version of that organ. After cleaning the bowel, 
return it, wash the edges of the wound with water and the Car- 
bolic Acid lotion, sew up the muscles with catgut, the skin with 
silk (see Operations, page 347). Apply bandage as with 
"Hernias." Dress the wound daily with the Carbolic Acid 
lotion. (See "General Treatment of Wounds," Horse Depart- 
ment). If only the skin is torn, treat as under same heading. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 399 



RUPTURE, OR HERNIA 



A hernia is a displacement of some of the abdominal organs, 
generally a portion of the bowels, outside the abdominal cavity; 
they are named according to their location. 

VENTRAL HERNIA is an escape of some one of the 
abdominal organs through a rupture in the abdominal muscles, 
the skin remaining intact. The small intestine, or part of the 
large intestine, are the parts which usually form a ventral hernia. 

Causes. — Hernia is frequently produced by blows of the 
horns of other animals, by kicks, and by falls. In the case of old 
cows this may occur without any direct injury. In advanced 
stages of pregnancy, the increase of the size of the abdomen 
causes a thinning and stretching of the muscular fibers, which at 
last may rupture or give way. 

Symptoms. — The hernia is most often situated at the right 
side of the abdomen, producing an enlargement of greater or less 
size. The swelling is not usually painful, is of a doughy appear- 
ance, or elastic, according as the intestines does or does not con- 
tain feces. By working with the hand, the bowel can be pushed 
back and the enlargement reduced, and the rent in the abdominal 
wall felt. If on the upper and right side, the hernia is usually 
formed by the small intestine. It is not so readily reduced, but 
when once done is not as likely to be reproduced as in those 
occurring lower. Adhesion to the abdominal wall, and strangu- 
lation are complications which sometimes take place. In adhesion 
the rupture cannot be reduced by pressure, and when strangula- 
tion exists there is pain. In the latter case, the edges of the 
opening press on the bowel, so as to stop the passage of the feces, 
produce inflammation, and finally gangrene. The strangulated 
hernia will cause severe abdominal pain, shown by uneasiness, 
kicking belly, etc. 

Treatment. — 

When a hernia can be put back into the abdomen (reduced) , 
it should be kept there to allow the walls of the wound 
to grow together. This may be done in a number of ways. 



400 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

The following method of applying a bandage has been recom- 
mended by some. Prepare a bandage of strong material about 
ID yards long and 3 to 4 inches broad, and a flexible but solid 
piece of pasteboard adapted to the size of the hernia. Push back 
protruding organ into the abdomen ; this being done, a layer of 
melted pitch and turpentine is quickly spread on skin covering 
seat of hernia and extending somewhat beyond. Cover this 
adhesive layer with a layer of fine tow, then put a new layer of 
pitch and turpentine on the tow, and lay on this the pasteboard, 
the outer surface of which cover with the same preparation ; 
lastly, the bandage, adhering to the piece of pasteboard, to the 
skin, and to the different turns which it makes around the body, 
is carefully applied so as to form an immovable, rigid, and solid 
bandage, which retains the hernia long enough for the wound in 
the abdominal walls to heal permanently. Bandages get loose as 
the animal changes slightly in size from day to day, and so must 
be watched. 

Resorting to surgery for the curing of ventral hernia is 
advisible, if the rupture is not too large. The skin is cut 
through over the rupture and the muscles sewed up with 
cat-gut and then the skin sewed up with silk. A bandage 
is then put around the animal to help support the stitches ; see 
Operations, in Horse Department, for general principles for 
operations. Large hernias best not be operated on in this way — 
a rent over six or eight inches long. Ruptures on the under side 
of abdomen are more apt to recur when they have been returned, 
and wounds made in operating on them are more difficult to heal 
than when hernia is on the side. When a rupture is strangulated 
— circulation of contents of sac stopped — it is advisible to open 
the sac carefully and return the parts, enlarging the opening in 
the abdominal muscles enough to return protuding organs, after 
which close the wound in the muscles with cat-gut stitches, and 
then the wound in the skin with silk thread. Put over this a 
compress of ten to twelve folds of cloth ; and apply a bandage 
around the body to hold it in place, fastening the two ends at 
the back. A ventral hernia may also be treated by ligating the 
fold of skin, or by the use of the elastic bandage as with umbil- 
ical hernia. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 401 

UMBILICAL, OR NAVEL HERNIA.— The umbilicus, 
or navel, is the opening in the floor of the abdomen through which 
the blood vessels pass from the foetus to enter the umbilical cord; 
naturally this closes after birth. Sometimes this remains open 
in new-born calves, and allows a part of the bowel to slip through 
the opening, constituting what is called umbilical hernia, or rup- 
ture. 

Causes. — In a new-born animal, in which the accident occurs, 
the opening is too large, or does not close as it should, and a 
portion of the intestine passes through it. May be caused by 
roughly pulling away the cord; by kicks, or blows, on belly; by 
any severe straining which affects the navel. 

Symptoms. — There is an enlargement at the navel, and by 
laying the animal on his back, and working it with the hand, the 
bowel can be pushed back and the opening felt. 

Treatment. — 

It is well to bear in mind that many of the smaller ruptures 
will heal of themselves— nature effects the cure. As animal 
grows older, the muscles on the sides of the opening get stronger 
and resist pressure, bowels grow larger, and do not so easily pass 
through opening, so that from a combination of causes there is a 
gradual closing of the navel. When there is no evidence of self- 
closing, the calf should be laid on its back, and if rupture does 
not return into belly, the reduction may be brought about by 
gentle handling. When this is done, clip the hair from around 
the parts, and apply a compress of ten to twelve yards of linen, 
or cotton, bandaging as directed in ventral hernia. Or, use a 
bandage having in it some elastic webbing; this keeps the bandage 
tight, regardless of the movements of the animal. In case there 
is adhesion, so that the intestines cannot be put back, the skin 
must be laid open with a knife in the long direction, and 
adhesions carefully separated, and after the protruding parts have 
been put back, the sides of the umbilicus freshened by cutting, 
and then edges of wound brought together with catgut stitches 
and the wound in the skin sewed with silk. Bandage with a plain, 
or elastic, bandage, and dress wound daily. See principles for, in 
Operations, Horse Department. Another plan is to cord the 



402 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

pendulous portion of the skin — after returning the intestines, 
gather up the loose skin and tie a string around it, close to the 
body; tie tight enough so it will not slip off. This will likely 
slacken in a few days, when a new piece should be applied, just 
above the first one. This sets up inflammation and causes the 
edges to adhere, and by the time the skin below the tie has lost 
its vitality and dropped off, the umbilicus is closed and there is 
no danger of the bowel coming down. Sometimes adhesion does 
not take place, the skin sloughs, and the last state is worse than 
the first; this is due to tying the string too tight and sloughing 
too quickly, or to the edges of the umbilicus being so healed over 
that they will not unite, which might be the case if the hernia 
has been present for some time. With these old hernias the best 
treatment is to cut in, raw the edges and sew up, and then use 
the compress and bandage. 

INGUINAL HERNIA.— Inguinal hernia is caused by a 
loop of the intestine passing down into the inguinal canal — the 
canal leading from the abdomen down into the scrotum, in which 
lies the spermatic cord. This accident is more apt to occur in 
bulls, although it may happen in steers. It rarely occurs. The 
bowel becomes strangulated, and the condition is only recognized 
when this occurs, and then the following symptoms are presented. 
The animal becomes restless, stamps with his feet, lies down and 
gets up, kicks at his belly, looks at his flank, etc. With these 
symptoms an examination should be made through the rectum. 
Pass the hand into the rectum and feel along the front border of 
the pelvic floor, and if the condition exists, the bowel can be felt 
entering the canal a little to one side of the center and just in 
front of the pelvic border; the swollen condition of the bowel will 
help recognize it. 

Treatment. — 

Place the animal with the hind feet higher than the front, 
and remove the bowel from the canal by pulling upon it» After 
removing the bowel, if a steer, and ready for the market, dispose 
of him, or fat as soon as possible, as accident may re-occur. If a 
bull, and it re-occurs, castrate as for scrotal hernia. 



DISEASES OF CATTlvE 403 

SCROTAL HERNIA.— This is a hernia in which the 
bowel passes down through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. 
With male calves the condition is sometimes present at birth, and 
later on gradually reduces itself by the canal closing and crowd- 
ing the bowel out; or, the condition may continue, the canal being 
large enough to allow the feces to pass through the loop of the 
bowel without being obstructed, or it may become strangulated 
and cause serious trouble. 

Symptoms. — The scrotum is larger than it should be, 
especially on one side ; by feeling of it, it is found to contain a 
mass under the testicle, and by laying the animal on his back the 
bowel can be worked back into the abdomen. The condition 
may exist for a long time and cause no apparent inconvenience, 
or the bowel may become strangulated at any time and cause 
symptoms as with inguinal hernia. 

Treatment. — 

Castrate the animal by the covered operation, the same as 
recommended for the colt or pig affected with this trouble. 



DISEASES OF THE HEART AND BLOOD 
VESSELS. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE PERICARDIUM- 
PERICARDITIS. — This is an inflammation of the sac or mem- 
brane enclosing the heart, and it is often associated with pneu- 
monia, pleurisy, rheumatism, and other constitutional diseases. 
It also occurs as an independent affection, due to causes similar 
to those of other diseases of the chest, such as cold, or dampness, 
and changes of the weather. 

Symptoms. — It may be ushered in by a chill, followed by 
fever of more or less severity; the animal stands still and dull, 
with hanging head and an anxious expression. Pulse may be 
large, perhaps hard; there is also a venous pulse. Hand against 
chest will feel beating of heart, w^hich is irregular, sometimes 



404 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

violent, then again weak. Legs are cold; breathing quickened, 
and usually abdominal; tapping or striking left side of chest 
gives pain. There may be a line or furrow along line of the 
false ribs from below and behind elbow back to flank. Spasms 
of the muscles may occur in region of breast, neck, or hind legs. 
After a time, which is varying in length, legs may swell, and 
swelling may appear under chest and brisket. In first stages, 
the ear applied to chest will hear a to-and-fro friction sound, cor- 
responding to the beats of heart; when exudation into heart sac 
takes place the sound is not heard, and will not be until fluid is 
absorbed sufficiently to allow surfaces to come together again. A 
murmuring sound like that made by bellows sometimes takes 
place of friction sound, which indicates that the endocardium, or 
heart lining, is also involved. The friction sound in pleurisy is 
heard in consonance with breathing, so there is no need in con- 
fusing the symptoms, if one is careful. 

Treatment. — 

When this disease is associated with other diseases, these 
must be treated as directed in description of them. Keep animal 
in a quiet, comfortable place, free from excitement. Clothe body 
warmly and hand-rub the legs until circulation is re-established, 
and then snugly bandage. Give nutritious food in moderate 
amount. At the beginning, give a mild purgative of i to i^ 
pounds of Epsom Salts, dissolved in a quart of warm water. 
Otherwise give the same treatment as recommended for this dis- 
ease in the horse, remembering that the dose for cattle is one 
and one-half to two times the dose for the horse (see page 234). 

INFLAMMATION OF VEINS-PHLEBITIS.— 

Causes. — From bleeding without proper care, or with unclean 
fleam or lancet ; by animal rubbing the wound against some 
object. 

Symptoms. — When inflammation follows the operation, the 
coats of the veins become enlarged, so much so that the vessel 
may be felt, hard and knotted beneath the skin, and when pressed 
on, pain is shown. A thin, watery discharge, blood tinged, issues 
from wound. When pin is taken out it is seen that wound has 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 405 

not healed ; the blood becomes coagulated in the vessel, and in 
inflammation of the jugular, the coagulation extends from wound 
upward to first large branch. Abscesses may form along vein. 
The inflammation is followed by obliteration of that part of vein in 
which coagulation exists. This is of small import, as cattle have 
an accessory jugular vein which gradually enlarges and thus fits 
itself for increased amount of blood it must carry. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment for inflammation of the vein is the same in 
cattle as in horses (see page 239). As bleeding is very rarely 
practiced now, this condition is not so frequently seen as for- 
merly, when animals were bled for nearly everything. 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN. 



YELLOWS, OR JAUNDICE; CONGESTION OF 
THE LIVER.— 

Causes. — Congestion, or inflammation of the liver; from bile 
stones forming in the duct of the liver, obstructing the flow of 
bile. It is most common in stall-fed cattle. 

Symptoms. — Pressure along the margin of the short ribs on 
the right side produces pain; appetite is poor, and animal shows 
hardly any inclination to drink; mucous membranes of the mouth 
and eyes are yellow, the urine has a yellow or brown appearance, 
and animal lies down much, and moves with great reluctance, 
moans occasionally, and has a staggering gait. The horns and 
ears are cold; in cows the secretion of milk is much diminished, 
and that which is secreted has a bitter taste; sometimes the 
animal has a dry, painful cough, and presents a dull, stupified 
appearance. 

Treatment. — 

To produce a free action of the bowels, and remove the 
usually congested condition of the portal vein and liver, give i % 



4o6 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

pounds of Epsom Salts, dissolved in water, and after the effect 
has worked off, give 4 ounces of Glaubers Salts each day; aside 
from this give the treatment as for the horse, remembering that 
the dose is one and one-half to two times as large for cattle as 
for the horse (see page 131). 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER— HEPATITIS. 

— This is a more advanced stage of congestion of the liver. It is 
frequently restricted to a special part of the liver and the rest of 
the organ may be comparatively healthy. The gland cells are 
the seat of inflammation, and abscess formation is the result. 
Sy^nptoms. — The symptoms are sometimes obscure, and their 
real significance is frequently overlooked. The most prominent 
symptoms are yellowness of *the white of the eye, and membrane 
lining the mouth ; the appetite is poor ; the body presents 
an emaciated appearance, but there is frequently fullness at 
the lower part of the abdomen. The gait is weak, and animal 
lies down more than usual, and while doing so of ten has the head 
turned around resting on the side of the chest. 

Treatment. — 

Give : 

Sulphate of Soda yi pound. 

Taraxacum % ounce. 

Tepid water 2 quarts. 

Mix, and give as one dose. Repeat this night 
and morning until a relaxed condition of the 
bowels is produced. 

The object is not a strong purgation, but a laxative effect, 
which should be continued several days. After treatment has 
been continued for several days, give the following : 

Quinine i drachm. 

Nitro-muriatic Acid I drachm. 

Shake up in a quart of cold water. 

This dose should be given three times a day 
until the animal has regained his strength. 

Rub Turpentine liniment well in, once a day over the region 
of the liver, on the right side. Extreme heat, and pasturing 
animals on low-lying ground, are conditions favorable to the pro- 
duction of this disease. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 407 



FLUKE DISEASE IN CATTLE— WORM IN THE 
LIVER. — This occurs in cattle and sheep pasturing on low- 
lying lands, and is more often met with in rainy seasons. Not 
met with except in a few localities in this country. 

Cause. — Is a parasite, called the fluke, or Fasciola Hepatica, 
which infests the biliary ducts of the liver. The immature forms 
are taken up in the drinking water, or in grazing, in this way 
passing to the stomach, and, changing their forms, finally find 
lodgment in the liver. When the full development stage is 
reached, the fluke passes out in the excreta, and its eggs, by the 
agency of moisture, hatch, and the young fluke passes through 
a number of changes before it infests other cattle. 

Symptoms. — Upon first entering the liver, when the flukes 
are small, they seem to stimulate its action and the animal 
seemingly thrives better than ever; but when the flukes attain 
their growth and are present in large numbers, they set up an 
inflammation of the organ. The liver becomes soft and very 
easily broken down. Animal becomes dull and weak; swellings 
form under the throat. Mucous membranes become yellow, skin 
harsh and dry. Fever, with great emaciation and dropsical 
accumulations in the chest and belly, follow, which is soon in turn 
followed by death. Upon post-mortem the parasites are found in 
the liver; small, flat worms. 

Treatment. — 

Is of no avail. Affected animal should be killed at once, and 
unaffected cattle should be moved to a higher and dryer pasture. 
Horses are unaffected with this disease, and can be put into a lot 
where cattle have been attacked. 

DISEASE OF THE SPLEEN. — While the spleen is 
sometimes affected with disease, aside from those conditions of it, 
which are the result of other disorders, yet the symptoms which 
the animal presents are so uncharacteristic that it is almost, if 
not quite, impossible to diagnose disorders of the organ during 
life. About all that can be done is to treat symptoms, in cases of 
this kind, where a diagnosis cannot be made. Laxatives, tonics^ 
and fever mixtures are generally in order. 



4o8 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS 



INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS— NEPHRI- 
TIS.— 

Causes. — External violence, wounds, strains, etc.; eating 
acrid, diuretic plants; and too free use of diuretic medicines. 

Sy^nptojns. — It is rather rare in cattle. When it occurs, there 
are colicky pains, with great uneasiness; the urine is thick and 
dark colored, and voided often and in small quantities, and with 
much straining and pain; there is tenderness over the loins, 
especially at the sides immediately below the transverse spines of 
the lumbar vertebrae; the gait is straddling, and lameness is 
noticeable, sometimes in one leg and sometimes in both; the 
appetite is poor; fever rtms high; rumination ceases; the back is 
arched when standing; sometimes blood, and in the later stages 
pus, is evacuated with the urine; nose becomes hot and dry, 
horns and extremities cold, and breathing labored. Diarrhea 
often sets in and sometimes dysentery; this state being often 
followed by constipation. At the last there is profuse sweating, 
great pain; the pulse becomes small and weak; and stupor and 
death follows. 

Treatment. — 

First, remove the causes as far as possible. Give a fairly 
brisk purgative — from i to i^ pounds of Epsom Salts and a 
quart of melted lard. Aside from this give the same treatment, 
omitting the laxative, as recommended for the horse (page 132), 
giving from one and one-half to two times the dose. Apply the 
hot blankets to the loins and also the Mustard plaster. The chronic 
form of the disease is rarely met with in cattle, but in case it 
should exist, treat as for the horse. 

DIABETES INSIPIDUS, OR PROFUSE URINA- 
TION.— This disease is characterized by the excessive amount 
of urine that is passed. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 409 

Catises. — From being fed on swill food; from blood pressure 
in the kidneys; acrid, diuretic plants taken with food; excess of 
sugar in food; frozen food; moldy or musty hay and fodder; 
alkaline water and alkaline incrustation on the soil. 

Symptoms. — The large amount of clear urine that is passed. 
If allowed to continue, animal becomes unthrifty. 

Treatment. — 

This is mainly in the change of diet to one more solid, and free 
from the cause of the aflfection. Boiled Flaxseed is very good in 
addition to the solid, wholesome, dry food, and by way of medi- 
cine use the following: 

Iodide of Potash i ounce. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, two or three times a 
day. 

One-ounce doses of Fluid Extract of Ergot twice a day are 
also good. To correct the digestive function, give the Gentian 
and Nux Vomica tonic, as for "Chronic Indigestion." 

BLOODY URINE IN CATTLE— HAEMATURIA.— 

This is a common affection among cattle in certain localities. 

Causes. — From injury to loins or kidneys by external vio- 
lence; from active congestion of the kidneys from calculi; eating 
acrid herbage, and eating of frozen roots may cause the affection. 
It is also a symptom of diseases in which the urinary organs 
themselves are not diseased. 

Symptoms. — It is simple haematuria when blood is found in 
the urine in clots, or when, under the microscope, the blood glo- 
bules can be detected. It is smoky urine when no distinct clots 
or discs can be found, but merely a general browning, reddening, 
or blackening of the urine, by presence of dissolved blood-color- 
ing matter. If due to gravel, gritty particles are usually passed, 
and may be found in dish in which liquid is caught; if from in- 
jury to loins, there is likely to be some loss of control to limbs, 
and more or less paralysis of the tail. If without blood globules, 
it likely results from other diseases, from irritating plants, and 



4IO THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

from eating frozen roots. There may be fever or not, with ten- 
derness of abdomen on pressure, and with or without marked 
paleness of mucous membranes, and general weakness. When 
direct injury to kidneys is the cause, urine will be passed often 
and in small quantities, and with much straining. When there 
is a watery blood from lack of nourishment, fever is absent, and 
red water is at first the only symptom. When cause has been 
irritant plants, there will be abdominal tenderness, colics, and 
other signs of bowel inflammation. 

Treatment. — 

This will depend whether cause has been a direct irritant 
operating on a subject in vigorous health, or from some cause 
acting on an animal deficient in blood and vigor. In the first 
case, give a smart purgative — i to i ^ pounds of Epsom Salts — 
to clear the bowels and allay fever. Sometimes this, with a 
liberal supply of good, wholesome food, will be all that is required, 
boiled Flaxseed and wheat bran is especially good. 

In the case of diuretic plants, give i -drachm doses of Fluid 
Extract of Belladonna and i ounce of Alcohol, repeated three or 
four times a day. 

Also apply hot fomentations over the loins. In cases due to 
sprained or fractured loins, to inflamed kidneys, or to stone, or 
gravel, the treatment must be for the particular disease in ques- 
tion. When from anaemia, or watery blood, whether from badly 
adjusted rations, or from running on marshy soil, treatment must 
be tonic and stimulating. Rich, abundant, and digestible food 
must be given. Also,' as a tonic, the preparations as for "Chronic 
Indigestion." In some cases, in addition to foregoing, i -drachm 
doses of Quinine three times a day are of value. Where simply 
a symptom of some disease, not directly affecting the urinary 
organs, treat as for disease causing the condition. 

ALBUMEN IN THE URINE—ALBUMENURIA.— 

This is very similar to Bright 's disease in the human being ; 
not very common. 

Causes. — Chronic inflammation of the kidneys, which in turn 
may arise from various causes. The long continued use of poor 
food may cause the disease. Injury to the loins may also cause it. 



DISEASES OF CATTI^E 411 

Symptoms. — When trouble arises from injury to the loins, 
back will be arched and feet drawn together, but in ordinary 
cases the most common and characteristic symptom is stretching 
at full length and getting the hind and fore feet as far apart as 
possible. Generally there is constipation, straddling gait, stiff- 
ness and disinclination to move. To test the urine for albumen, 
boil a little in a tube, or bottle, and it becomes cloudy; let it cool 
and then add a little Nitric Acid, and if it still remains cloudy it 
is due to albumen; if the cloudiness clears up, it was due to other 
causes. Death may result from paralysis of hind parts, from 
blood poisoning, or from coma (stupor). 

Treatment. — 

Will usually be directed to the disease on which it is 
dependent. In the absence of any other recognizable disease, 
mucilaginous drinks of boiled Flaxseed, Slippery Elm, or Gum 
may be given, Tannic Acid, ^ drachm, twice daily, and fomen- 
tations or even Mustard poultices over the loins. When the 
disease is chronic, and there is no attendant fever (elevation of 
temperature), tonics (Hydrochloric Acid, 6 drops in a pint of 
water; Phosphate of Iron, 2 drachms, or Sulphate of Quinine, 2 
drachms, repeated twice daily) may be used. In all cases, the 
patient should be kept carefully from cold and wet; a warm, dry 
shed; or, in warm weather, a dry, sunny yard or pasture being 
especially desirable. 

RETENTION OF THE URINE— DYSURIA.— 

Causes. — May be brought about by eating acrid food, causing 
inflammation of the urinary organs, and irritability and spasms of 
the neck of the bladder. May be due to a calculus in the urethra, 
preventing the flow. Tumors pressing in the urethra may cause 
it. The two most common causes in cattle are spasms of the 
neck of the bladder, and calculi. Paralysis of the bladder may 
sometimes be a cause. 

Symptoms. — There are frequent and ineffectual attempts to 
pass urine, with straining and colicky pains. The animal keeps 
stepping with his hind legs. Shows pain by groaning; is off feed. 
By examining through the rectum, the bladder is found to be 
full of urine. See the same disease in the horse. 



412 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 



Treatment, — 

Will depend largely on the cause. If due to eating irritating 
substances, give a purgative, as i ^ pounds of Epsom salts; also 
give I -drachm doses of Fluid Extract of Belladonna four or five 
times a day, and i -ounce doses of Chloral Hydrate two or three 
times a day. Also apply hot blankets to the loins, and give in- 
jections per rectum of water at a temperature of no to 115 de- 
grees. The same treatment, with the exception of the salts, 
should be given in all cases of spasm of the neck from whatever 
cause. With the cow, pass the catheter at once and relieve the 
animal; with the male this is a diflBcult operation, but if the ob- 
struction is a calculus in the urethra the operation has to be per- 
formed, requiring a veterinarian. The urethra is cut down upon 
and opened where it rounds the arch just below the anus, and the 
catheter passed from that point. If the calculus is between this 
point and the end or the penis, the operation will afford only 
temporary relief, the animal urinating through the cut until it 
heals. The only way to produce permanent relief is to locate the 
calculus, and remove it by an operation. In the cow, the catheter 
is passed the same as in the mare, except as the finger is passed 
along the floor of the vulva, just before it reaches the opening 
into the urethra, it will enter a little blind depression, and in 
passing the catheter it enters this instead of the urethra; to get 
the catheter to pass this into the urethra, keep the finger in the 
depression, and try and work the catheter on into the urethra; 
the depression and the urethra are close together, separated by 
simply a thin membrane, and it is quite difficult to get the 
catheter to enter the urethra, but by perseverance it can be 
passed. If the obstruction should be a calculus and it is pushed 
back into the bladder, treat as for "Gravel and Stone in the 
Bladder." 

INCONTINENCE OF THE URINE— ENURESIS.— 

This trouble may be considered as the opposite of the one just 
considered; the urine dribbles away involuntarily. 

Cause. — Paralysis of the muscle at the neck of the bladder. 

Symptcnns. — The urine dribbles more or less continuously. 



DISEASES OF CATTEE 413 

Treatment.— 

The same as for the same disease with the horse (page 139), 
the dose of the drugs used being nearly twice as large. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER — CYSTI- 
TIS. — This is inflammation of the bladder, affecting more espe- 
cially the mucous membrane lining the same. 

Caiises. — Any derangement of the digestive organs is apt tc 
change the character of the urine, making it acid and irritating, 
instead of alkaline, as in health. In other instances, cystitis is 
caused by eating poisonous plants, bj^ calculi, and incautious use 
of diuretic medicines. Retention of the urine will also cause it. 

Symptojus. — The animal is more or less off feed; there is a 
rise of temperature; pulse accelerated; animal shows uneasiness, 
and there is frequent passing of urine in small quantities, or many- 
times, the attempt to pass will be without results, the bladder 
being empty, but the sensation due to the inflammation is the 
same as when urine is present. The urine that is passed is hot 
and high colored, and contains mucus. By examining, through 
the rectum, the bladder will be found to be sensitive. Unless 
relieved the animal becomes very weak, fever high, pulse weak, 
and death follows. 

Treatment. — 

Give a mild purgative — i to i ^ pounds of Epsom salts — and 
aside from this, the treatment as recommended for the horse with 
the same disorder (page 135). Use the Linseed tea in place of 
water for the drink; apply the hot blankets, and flush out the 
bladder in the cow (in the male this will have to be omitted); and 
use the drugs with the dose increased. 

GRAVEL AND STONE IN THE BLADDER-CAL- 
CULI. — In cattle there are sometimes found one or more hard 
lumps of material, commonly called "stones" or "gravel." 
They may occur in the bladder, in the kidneys, or in the duct 
leading from the bladder to the outside, called the urethra. They 
are composed of saits, usually containing lime, deposited by the 
urine in the form of concretions. They vary in size from that of 



414 THK PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

shot to that of an egg, but in most cases they are small and irreg- 
ular in form. Technically, when in the bladder, they are known 
as ' ' cystic calculi. ' ' 

Symptoms. — These vary, but in general there is irritation 
and difficulty in passing the urine, the animal standing and 
straining after passing it. The urine often contains a little blood 
and mucus. They may cause inflammation of the bladder and we 
then get symptoms of that disease. If the bowels are emptied by 
an injection, they can sometimes be felt if the oiled hand is passed 
into the rectum and applied to the bladder, which lies just 
below it on the front part of the pelvic floor. In some sections 
the disease is common, while it is rare in others. The reasons 
for this are not definitely known, but are thought to be associated 
with an excess of mineral substances in the food and water. If 
the calculus is in the urethra it produces obstruction to the flow 
of urine. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment is the same as for the horse (page 136). If 
the acid treatment is used, the dose is one and one-half that given 
to the horse. If an operation is necessary, it is performed the 
same as in the horse and requires a veterinarian. 



CALVING (PARTURITION) AND DISEASES 
ATTENDANT. 



HOW TO TELL WHEN A COW IS WITH CALF. 

— Ordinarily when the cow is in perfect health she will come in 
heat every third week, when not pregnant. If a cow remains 
for three or six weeks after service without showing signs of 
heat, she is probably with calf. There are exceptional cases, but 
this is the rule. After taking service, and cow is with calf — 
pregnant — she will cease coming in heat and will thrive and feed 
better, and is of a quieter disposition than before. After a few 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 415 

weeks she commences to get larger in the flanks, which is more 
noticeable on the right side on account of the calf lying mostly 
on that side. Calf gradually grows, and at the end of the fifth 
or sixth month can be seen to move at the side after the cow has 
taken a drink of cold water, and by pressing the hand in quickly 
at the right flank one may feel the calf, which is easily told by 
the shape and solidity of the object. An examination through 
the rectum will show her condition. Springing begins in young 
cows about four months before calving, and udder gradually 
increases until parturition, while older cows "begin to make 
bag ' ' from four to six weeks before calving, 

THE PERIOD OF GESTATION IN COWS.— From 

extended statistics it is found that the average period of gestation 
in the cow is 285 days, or about nine and one-half calendar 
months. A calf born at the 240th day may live, and a case is 
reported, by an authority, as born on the 336th day. In most 
cases of prolonged pregnancy the offspring was a male. 

SYMPTOMS JUST PREVIOUS TO PARTURI- 
TION. — During the last few weeks of gestation, the vulva 
gradually enlarges, but more noticeably so the last few days 
before parturition, and while the udder has been gradually form- 
ing for three or four weeks, it fills up more rapidly and becomes 
much harder during the last two or three days. Another quite 
noticeable symptom which occurs a few hours before the act 
takes place, is the appearance of the hollows, one on each side of 
the hips, back close to the tail. This symptom shows more 
plainly upon the thinly-muscled dairy animals than upon the 
thicker-muscled beef animals. Any time after these symptoms 
appear, the pains are liable to come on, or they may be delayed 
for some reason for a day or two, and so the animal should be 
watched and given a place where she will be undisturbed during 
the act of parturition itself, and for a little time afterwards. 

TROUBLES MET WITH IN CALVING— (MAL- 
PRESENTATION). — After those symptoms appear which 
indicate that parturition is liable to occur at any time, the animal 
should be watched quite carefully; not more than four or five 



41 6 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

hours should elapse without seeing her. In fact, sometimes the 
act occurs without noticeable warning symptoms, and so after 
the normal period of gestation, all preparations should be made 
for her comfort; a clean, well-bedded box stall, or a place at 
pasture, if the weather is mild, neither too hot or cold, by her- 
self. The immediate symptoms of parturition are the same as in 
the mare; the animal is a little uneasy; lies down and gets up; 
utters low moans; upon getting up, turns around and looks 
where the hips were lying; back is arched, tail elevated; these 
symptoms indicate that the contractions of the womb have com- 
menced, and very soon the animal will commence to strain, the 
efforts gradually getting more severe as the act progresses. The 
normal positions for the calf are the same as those given for the 
colt, and if the position is correct, the act will generally be com- 
pleted without any assistance. The act is generally more pro- 
longed with the cow than with the mare, often requiring, when 
everything is normal, an hour or more (see Foaling, page 152). 

If the foetus is a little large, and the throes are not able to 
expel it, assist the animal a little by taking hold and gently pul- 
ling when she strains; be sure, however, that the presentation is 
correct before pulling any; here is where a great mistake is often 
made— a part of the foetus is seen protruding from the vulva, and 
it is caught hold of and pulled upon, oftentimes by two or three 
strong men, regardless of the position of the foetus. This is all 
wrong — never do it. 

If, after the animal has labored an hour or such a matter, no 
apparent progress having been made, make an examination and 
determine the cause. In making the examination, follow care- 
fully the instructions for examining the mare. Have the hand 
and arm clean, the finger-nails clean and short, use the Carbolized 
lard, and be gentle. If the instructions are followed, the exami- 
nation can do no possible harm, and if anything is wrong the 
sooner it is corrected the better. Never let an animal labor three 
or four hours without an examination. The pain suffered during 
this time is infinitely greater than that which a careful examina- 
tion will cause. 

It is never best, when the act is progressing fairly rapid, to 
take the calf away suddenly by pulling upon it; if this is done 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 417 

the womb stops contracting to a great extent, remains large and 
flabby, and bleeding is apt to result. 

If, upon examination, the position is found to be correct, 
withdraw the hand carefully and allow the act to progress undis- 
turbed; if, however, the position is found to be incorrect, correct 
it at at once, remembering the principles given for correcting in 
the mare, or if the presentation is bad, send at once for some one 
of experience, and in the meantime keep the cow quiet by giving 
an ounce of Chloral Hydrate in a pint of water, or 2 drachms of 
Fluid Extract of Belladonna. Cover her warmly, and if the 
straining continues and is severe, place the hand in the womb 
and hold the foetus from coming back farther. 

Corrections are more easily made with the cow than with the 
mare, the neck and legs of the calf not being so long as with 
the colt. 

The After Treatment. — 

After delivery, leave the mother with her offspring undis- 
turbed, simply watching to see that none of the accidents, which 
sometimes follow the act, occur. Do not be in a hurry to feed 
her, she needs nothing for twenty-four hours, and then only a 
little laxative food for three or four days, when the feed may be 
gradually increased. Give her a small amount of water soon 
after parturition, and a little more every hour or so afterwards, 
until she gets all she desires. Do not turn the animal out in the 
hot sun for two or three da^^s after calving, neither expose her to 
cold, stormy weather. With regard to milking her, see "Milk 
Fever" preventive treatment. 

DROPSY OF THE WOMB BEFORE CALVING.— 

This is due to some disarrangement of the fetal envelopes, and 
there is an over-abtmdant amount of fluid secreted around the 
foetus. 

Symptoms. — The belly gets larger and larger, until the cow 
seems almost as broad as long, and on account of so much fluid 
forming, she becomes weak and has difficulty in getting up and 
moving about. Mild cases will simply give the animal the 



4i8 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

appearance of being unduly large and will cause no serious 
trouble, the fluid escaping in the natural manner at the time of 
parturition. 

Treatment. — 

There can be but little done in this disease except to keep 
up the strength by giving good nourishing food, and using the 
tonics as for "Chronic Indigestion," unless it becomes so bad 
that the animal cannot get around, in which case the mouth of 
the womb may be gradually opened, the fetal envelopes broken, 
and the fluid allowed to escape; this, of course, will produce 
abortion, or premature birth in case the period of gestation is 
nearly completed. 

PARALYSIS OF THE HIND QUARTERS BE- 
FORE CALVING. — This is generally noticed in poorly- fed 
and unthrifty cows, especially if exposed to cold or wet, and is 
caused by the calf in the womb pressing on the nerves that go to 
supply the hind quarters with power. 

Symptoms. — Are the loss of power in the hinder parts. The 
animal is unable to get up, but in every other way appears 
normal. 

Treatment. — 

Give ^ -pound doses of Epsom Salts once or twice a week, 
according to action on the bowels, and give the following powder: 

Ground Gentian Root 4 ounces. 

Saltpeter , 4 " 

Powdered Nux Vomica 4 " 

Mix, and give a tablespoonful in a slop 
twice a day. 

Give plenty of good food and keep cow warm. Have good 
bedding under her, and turn her from side to side three times a 
day, until she calves; then she will generally come out all right. 
Never attempt to put her in slings; let her lie until she is able to 
get up. If she does not get up after calving, continue the treat- 
ment, and also rub the loins and sides of the hips twice daily with 
strong Turpentine and Ammonia Liniment. (See Prescrip- 
tion, in the back of book.) If this fails, a blister may be applied. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 419 

CLOSURE OF THE NECK OF THE WOMB AT 
CALVING. — It sometimes happens that when calving time has 
come, and labor pains come on, that the neck of the womb keeps 
contracted or closed, not allowing the calf to pass. 

Symptoms. — The animal labors, but no progress is made, and 
an examination shows the mouth of the womb closed. 

Treatment. — 

Give the following drench: 

Epsom Salts i pound. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Mix in a quart of lukewarm water and give 
as a drench. 

Keep body warm with blankets and apply hot salt in a bag 
to the loins. Also take a small sponge or soft piece of cloth, tie 
a string to it and saturate it with Fluid Extract Belladonna, 2 or 
3 drachms, then insert it like a plug into the neck of the womb. 
In an hour or two examine again; if still as tight as before, 
re-apply more of the Belladonna. Do not use rough treatment, 
but after the Belladonna has been applied for one-half a day, 
try again to dilate with the fingers, and if it fails, an operation will 
probably have to be performed, which will require the veterinarian, 
and if possible get one at the commencemenf of the trouble. 
While the Belladonna is acting, quiet the animal by giving 
I -ounce doses of Chloral Hydrate in i pint of water, repeated 
once in three or four hours. 

PARALYSIS, OR PALSY, AFTER CALVING.— 

This consists in a more or less complete loss of control of the 
hind limbs, occurring after calving. 

Causes. — From low condition, weakness and exposure to 
cold, or to injurious pressure on the nerves of the hind limbs by 
a large calf passing through the pelvis. 

Treatment. — 

Give the following drench : 

Epsom Salts Impounds. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter i ounce. 

Tepid Water i quart. 



420 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Keep the body warm with blankets, and apply ^ pound of 
Mustard, mixed in vinegar, over the loins every second day. 
Feed on soft food, with boiled Flaxseed in it. Milk cow dry 
twice a day, and turn her over three or four times a day from 
side to side, but do not put her in slings. Also give 2-drachm 
doses of Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica three or four times a day; 
if twitching of the muscles occurs reduce the size of the dose. 
If this treatment fails, use liniment and blister as recommended 
for "Paralysis before Calving." 

PROLONGED AFTER-PAINS.— These sometimes occur 
after protracted and painful delivery, from failure of the womb 
to contract, or from retention of the after-birth; from nervous 
irritation; or from bleeding. 

Symptoms. — The animal continues to strain after the foetus is 
expelled. 

Treatment. — 

Examine to try and find cause; if from bleeding, give treat- 
ment for " Flooding." If there is another foetus, and correctly 
presented, leave alone; if the womb is large and flabby, dash a 
little cold water on the loins, and onto the vulva, and give, 
internally, drugs to quiet. If everything in the womb seems to 
be normal, it is due to nervous irritability, and quieting drugs are 
to be given. For this, give i ounce of Chloral Hydrate and i 
drachm of Fluid Extract of Belladonna in ^ pint of water, and 
repeat in an hour, if pains continue; apply hot blankets, or salt 
bag, to the loins; blanket warmly. Remain with the animal 
continually until straining stops, to prevent womb from being 
everted; when she strains, clasp the lips of the vulva and hold 
them together. 

FLOODING, OR UTERINE HEMORRHAGE.— 

Causes. — Too rapid calving, and a consequent failure of 
womb to contract when calf has been removed; protracted labor; 
from injuries to these parts during parturition; or from unskill- 
ful removal of placenta. Eversion of the womb may also cause it. 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 421 

Symptoms. — Blood may be flowing from the vulva, or in 
examining for cause of "After Pains" one will find blood clot in 
womb. 

Treatment. — 

Dash cold water with force onto the loins; cool the hand and 
insert it into the womb, which will sometimes cause the latter 
to contract upon it. If these means are ineffectual, inject cold 
water into the womb through a rubber tube furnished with a 
funnel; or inject Alum or Copperas water into the womb, using 
2 ounces of either to each quart of water; fill the womb full and 
clasp lips of vulva to retain the solution for a few minutes. In 
very obstinate cases a still stronger solution could be used, or the 
womb can be packed with clean, soft cloth wet with the solution, 
but do not pack unless absolutely necessary. Internally, give 
I ounce of Fluid Extract of Ergot, repeat in one-half to one hour, 
and again in an hour if necessary. After all bleeding has stopped, 
clean out all blood clots by flushing the womb with cool water, 
that has been recently boiled. 

RUPTURE OF THE WOMB; OR, PASSAGE OUT 
FROM THE WOMB.— These troubles occur at the time of 
calving in the cow, in the same manner as in the mare in foaling, 
and for symptoms and treatment see "Rupture of the Womb," 
or " Rupture of the Vagina, or Passage," in the Horse Depart- 
ment. 

REMOVING AFTER-BIRTH, OR CLEANING.-It 

sometimes happens that the cleaning, or after-birth, is retained, 
and if so, means must be taken to assist in the removal. This is 
more apt to occur with the cow than with any of the other ani- 
mals. 

Cause. — Is a congested and swollen state of the buttons on 
inside of the womb, to which the after-birth is attached. The 
cow often retains the after-birth for twelve hours or more before 
it comes away, but if retained much longer than this, it will 
probably not come away without help. 



422 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

If the cow retains the after-birth for more than five or six 
hours, give the following: 

Epsom Salts i pound. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter i ounce. 

Water i quart. 

Mix, and give as a drench. 

Blanket well and keep a peck of hot salt in a bag on the 
loins; give a hot bran mash and keep her quiet, and the after- 
birth may come away. If in thirty hours it has not passed away, 
it will have to be removed mechanically. 

In removing the after-birth from a cow, the anatomy must 
be remembered. Scattered over the inside of the womb are some 
forty to sixty large, button-like enlargements, at this time nearly 
as large as one's fist; these are attached to the womb by a 
restricted neck, and are called "cotyledons." On the outside of 
the fetal envelope are saucer-shaped masses, corresponding in 
number to the cotyledons, and the attachment of the envelope to 
the womb is accomplished by the saucer-shaped structure fitting 
over and being attached to the cup-shaped cotyledon, much as 
the palm of one hand would clasp the closed fist of the other 
hand. The attachment can be rather crudely illustrated by a 
style of glove fastening. The surface of the saucer-shaped struc- 
ture has a large number of small, pointed bodies, projecting from 
it, which fit into depressions in the cup-like cotyledon, and these 
hold the two together. 

To remove the after-birth: Place the cow with her right side 
against a partition; have an assistant stand by her left side and 
keep her from arching her back by rubbing on the loins with a 
small stick. Bare the right arm to the shoulder, clean the finger 
nails and hand, and oil hand and arm with Carbolized lard; take 
that part of the aft^r-birth which hangs from the vulva in the 
left hand, and twist it into a rope; make the right hand cone- 
shaped, and pass it gently into the vulva along this rope-like 
structure; upon reacaing the womb, the rope will seem to be 
made up of a large number of strings running together; follow 
up one of these and it will lead the hand to a cotyledon. The 



DISEASES OF CATTEE 423 

large, cup-shaped cotyledon is to be left on the womb, the saucer- 
shaped structure on the envelope is to be separated from it; to 
do this, slip the neck of the cotyledon in between the first two 
fingers, place the thumb on top of the cotyledon and press down 
as the fingers clasp the neck quite firmly, and slip along it towards 
the thumb. If they adhere too closely to be separated in this 
way, gently work the fingers in between the two structures and 
separate them, remembering that only a thin outer portion of the 
mass is to be taken off. Repeat the process with each of the 
masses. Be gentle, and don't hurry. Twist occasionally wdth 
the left hand, but pull but very little. When the cotyledons have 
ail been separated, the entire mass will slip away and the opera- 
tion is complete. Sometimes it is an easy matter to separate the 
cotyledons, at other times a difiicult task. If no putrefaction has 
taken place, nothing need be done after the envelopes have been 
removed; if some decomposition has taken place, flush out the 
womb with a weak Carbolic Acid solution, 2 drachms to a quart 
of water (see "Abortion"). 

TURNING OUT OF THE VAGINA, OR PASSAGE 
LEADING FROM THE WOMB -EVERSION OF THE 
VAGINA.- 

Caiises. — From standing, before calving, in a stall with the 
hind feet too low; and while Ij'ing down, on account of its being 
so full, the womb presses back against the passage and turns it 
out. It may occur for a few days after parturition, from strain- 
ing, or may be caused from constipation in effort to pass the 
feces. 

Symptoms. — There protrudes from the vulva a red tumor; if 
small, it may go back when animal gets up, but if larger, it re- 
mains out, becomes swollen and hard; may be as large as a peck 
measure. The animal stands with the back arched, and strains 
more or less. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as discovered, secm-e the animal so she can not 
bruise the part in an}' way, and get an assistant. Then clean, 
by pouring over it cold water; this also reduces the size; if all 



424 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

the dirt does not flush off, pick it off gently; do not rub the part 
in cleaning. When clean, pour over it a quart of Alum or 
Copperas solution, using an ounce of Alum or ^ ounce of Cop- 
peras to a quart of water, and also pour over it a weak Carbolic 
Acid solution — two drachms of the acid to a quart of water. 
Return in the same manner as recommended in the mare, and re- 
tain it with the sutures in the same way (page i6o). It must be 
returned gently, otherwise abortion may be produced. After 
returning, keep the cow on a floor that slants slightly forward. 
When the labor pains come on, remove the sutures, and after the 
calf is born, the after-birth best be removed, and the sutures put 
back in again for a few days. After the accident, keep the 
bowels loose with laxative food, and, if necessary, small doses of 
Epsom Salts; and also give a tablespoonful of Saltpeter twice a 
■day for a few days. To relieve the pain and straining somewhat 
during the operation of returning, give i ounce of Chloral Hy- 
drate, or 2 drachms of Fluid Extract of Belladonna in Y^ pint 
of water at the outset; also repeat two or three times a day if 
straining continues after the operation. 

WOMB, OR CALF BED, TURNED OUT— EVER- 
SION OF THE WOMB.— This is the turning inside out of a 
greater or less portion of the womb itself. 

Causes. — From cow lying with her hind parts too low. After- 
pains may cause the cow to strain and turn it out. Or it may 
follow removing the after-birth, especially if roughly done. It 
sometimes is thrown out almost immediately. 

Symptoms. — There lies, or hangs, behind the cow a large 
pink, bag-like mass, covered with mulberry-like excrescences all 
over the surface. It very soon swells and becomes a hard tumor- 
like mass, hanging from the vulva nearly to the hocks, or lying 
out behind the animal if she is down; a very repulsive sight. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as noticed, secure the cow so she cannot injure the 
part and get three assistants, and a veterinarian if possible, and 
turn the case over to him. First, have two of the assistants 
support the organ by placing a clean sheet under it, the same as 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 425 

was recommended with the mare (page 162) ; also at the outset 
give something to quiet — an ounce of Chloral Hydrate or 2 
drachms Fluid Extract of Belladonna in ]4 pint of water. Clean 
the womb the same as with " Eversion of the Vagina," using the 
Alum and Carbolic Acid solution the same. Be sure all dirt is 
removed ; the use of the Carbolic lotion is very important. If 
the after-birth is still attached, remove it before cleaning. When 
read}^ to return, proceed as recommended with the mare, being 
careful not to injure the organs with the finger nails. Have the 
hind limbs of the animal higher than the front ones, and have an 
assistant keep the animal from arching the back by pressing on 
the loins. When it is returned, pass the oiled hand in and 
smooth it out. Retain by using the sutures as for ' ' Eversion of 
the Vagina" in the mare (page 160). Keep her from straining 
as much as possible by repeating the Chloral Hydrate or the 
Belladonna once in three or four hours. Keep the hind feet much 
the higher. 

After Treatment. — While this accident is not quite as 
serious with the cow as with the mare, yet it is serious, and needs 
careful attention. 

Give the cow a liberal laxative — i to i}{ pounds of Epsom 
Salts ; feed lightly on laxative food; grass if in season, if not, a 
little hay, bran mash and scalded oats ; and also use the following : 

Fluid Extract Aconite 2 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Belladouna i ounce 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water, to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, three or four times 
a day. 

If the animal shows weakness, also give 2 ounces of Alcohol in 
^ pint of water three times a day. 

If the temperature keeps nearly normal (loi degrees), and 
the pulse also nearly normal, the conditions are favorable for 
recovery ; but if temperature runs up, pulse becomes rapid and 
hard, and animal dull, it indicates that inflammation is setting in 
and the conditions are unfavorable; then treat as for "Inflam- 
mation of the Womb. ' ' If everything goes along nicely for three 
or four days, recovery will probably take place. Do not let the 



426 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

calf suck the cow. Leave the sutures in for a week or tea days. 
If the womb is much injured while out, the chances for 
recovery are slight. If very badly injured, it can be ampu- 
tated; a veterinarian would be required for the operation. If 
the cow recovers, and is a valuable breeding animal, she may be 
bred again, paying special attention the next year, to see that 
the accident does not again occur. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE VAGINA— VAGINITIS. 

— This may occur independently of inflammation of the womb. 

Cazises. — From lacerations, bruises, or other injuries, sus- 
tained during calving. 

Symptoms. — There is swelling of the lips of the vulva, which, 
together with their lining membrane, become of a dark red, or 
leaden hue, and the mucus discharge increases and becomes 
whitish, or matter-like, and may become offensive. Passing of 
the oiled hand causes pain, and the walls will be found to be 
thickened, making the cavity much smaller. 

Treatment. — 

Slight cases recover without treatment, or under warm 
fomentations and mild antiseptic injections, as: 

Carbolic Acid 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Water i quart. 

Severe cases may go on to the formation of large sores, or a 
considerable portion of the mucous membrane may die and 
slough off. In all severe cases the antiseptic, and warm water 
injections, must be applied perseveringly; and also use the follow- 
ing: 

Acetate of Lead 3 drachms. 

Water i quart. 

Inject into the vagina twice a day with a 
rubber tube and funnel. 

Hyposulphite of Soda (2 ounces, to i quart of water) is also 
excellent for an injection; alternate with the Lead lotion. Inter- 
nally, give from i io 1% pounds of Epsom Salts, feed on laxative 
food, and give a tablespoonful of Saltpeter three times a day for 
a few days. If the disease is allowed to run and becomes chronic 
it is called " leucorrhea." 



DISEASES OF CATTEE 427 

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB— METRITIS. 

— This disease, when it occurs, usually comes on two or three 
days after calving. 

Causes. — From getting wet, or standing in a draft; from 
injuries received in diflScult calving; or from dirty hands, ropes, 
or instruments, used when assisting. It also follows eversion of 
the womb, and may occur when it is difficult to assign a cause. 

Symptofus. — Slight shivering; the horns, ears, and legs are 
cold, the pulse is rapid and hard, the breathing quick, the tem- 
peratiure elevated, 104 to 107; cow loses appetite and stops chew- 
ing her cud; countenance depressed; is restless and uneasy in the 
hind legs, as though in pain; is tender to pressure on the right 
side, especially if jarred in the right flank; the vulva is swollen, 
and there is a discharge from it mixed with blood; the bowels 
are costive, and urine is high-colored; the animal lies down most 
of the time, sometimes refusing to get up at all; when up, stands 
with back arched. By passing the hand into the rectum the 
womb is recognized as enlarged and hard, and more or less 
sensitive to pressure. The secretion of milk is diminished. The 
disease is sometimes mistaken for milk fever, but need not be; 
with this disease there is a marked rise of temperature, while in 
milk fever the temperature is normal, or below. With milk 
fever the animal is unconscious; with this condition she is 
conscious, although she may refuse to get up. 

Treatment. — 

This is a serious disease and very often terminates fatally. 
The treatment is both internal and local. Internally give a 
laxative, i to i ^ pounds of Epsom Salts, and repeat half dose in 
two days if the effects of the first dose are not quite marked. Also 
give the following : 

Fluid Extract of Aconite 2 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna lyi ounces. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed i ounce. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces three or four times 
a day. 

If she shows great weakness, give 2 ounces of Alcohol with each 
dose of the above in % pint of water ; and if the fever runs high, 



428 THK PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

give 2 drachms of Acetanilid twice a day with the Alcohol. 
After two or three days take the Aconite out of the above pre- 
scription and put 3 drachms of Fluid Extract of Digitalis into 
the prescription in its place. 

Apply to the loins, continuously, blankets wrung from hot 
water ; change every half hour and keep the hot blankets covered 
with a rubber blanket and dry woolen blankets. Have the water 
as hot as the animal will stand. It is also well to flush out the 
womb, part of the time, with a mild antiseptic lotion, as Carbolic 
Acid 2 drachms, water i quart ; and part of the time with an 
astringent lotion, as Acetate of L^ead 3 drachms, water i quart; 
or Hyposulphite of Soda, 2 ounces to a quart of water, is good. 
Use each lotion about twice a day. Flushing with large quan- 
tities of water at a temperature of 115 degrees, just before 
injecting the above lotions, is a good practice. For injecting, use 
a soft rubber tube with a funnel in one end. After flushing, if 
the cow strains, watch to see that the womb is not everted. 
In using the injections and in flushing, be sure the solutions 
enter the womb. The tube best be carried through the vagina 
with the hand and inserted into the womb ; have the hand and 
tube well oiled with Carbolized lard, and insert it carefully. If 
the animal lies down, roll her gently from one side to the other 
two or three times a day ; keep her lying on her chest. Give her 
all the fresh water she wants to drink, but in small quantities at 
a time, and a very little laxative feed if she desires to eat. 

PUERPERAL FEVER.— This is a simple fever occur- 
ring at the time of parturition. 

Causes. — Undue exposure to cold, or wet, or to hot sun. 
Also occurs when the animal is unthrifty; with animals that have 
been highly fed for a time before parturition, or fed too quickly 
after parturition. Young animals are more susceptible than 
older ones. 

Syniptmns. — It may develop any time within two or three 
days after parturition. There is a slight dullness, partial loss of 
appetite, a rise of temperature, 103 to 106; pulse more rapid than 
normal, 60 to 90 beats per minute; the mucous membranes of the 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 429 

eyes and nose are red; the milk secretion is partially stopped, and 
the udder is apt to be inflamed. These same symptoms are met 
with in other disorders at this time, and so we have to recognize 
this disease by the absence of the symptoms characteristic of other 
diseases. 

Treatment. — 

The disease generally runs a mild course, but complications 
sometimes arise, and so treatment should be given — even in mild 
cases. Give the cow a laxative — from i to 1% pounds of Epsom 
Salts, dissolved in two quarts of water. Feed lightly on laxative 
food for a few days, and also give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Aconite 2 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Saltpeter 4 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: i ounce, three or four times 
a day. 

Watch for complications, and if any should develop, treat as 
for that disease. 

WHITES — LEUCORRHEA.— This is due to a con- 
tinued or chronic inflammation of the womb, the vagina, or of 
both these organs. 

Catises. — Usually results from injuries sustained in calv- 
ing as the result of rough handling, or from irritation by putrid 
matters in connection with retained after-birth, or from the use 
of some object in the vagina, as a pessary, to prevent eversion of 
the womb. Ver}^ apt to follow abortion. The disease will also 
develop when it is hard to assign a direct cause. 

Symptoms. — The principal symptom is the glairy white dis- 
charge flowing more or less constantly from the vulva (sometimes 
more when the cow lies down), soiling the tail, matting its hairs 
and those of the vulva. When lips of vulva are drawn apart, the 
mucous membrane is seen to be redder than normal, if vagina is 
affected. The discharge has more or less of an offensive odor. 
Health may not suffer at first, but if discharge continues and is 
putrid, the health fails, milk shrinks, and flesh is lost. If womb 



430 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

is involved, the hand passed into the vagina may detect moiith of 
womb slightly open and some of the liquid collected within its 
cavity. With oiled hand in rectum, the outline of womb beneath 
may be detected, somewhat enlarged. In some cases cow may 
be in heat oftener than normal, and it may be more intense, but 
she rarely conceives, and if so, generally aborts. In other cases 
she does not come in heat at all. 

Treatment. — 

In mild or recent cases, give injections as in "Inflammation 
of the Vagina." In more obstinate ones stronger solutions may 
be used after the womb has been washed out by a stream of hot 
water at a temperature of 1 15 degrees, until it runs clear. To do 
this, insert a rubber tube into the womb, carrying it through the 
vagina with the hand; oil hand and tube; place a funnel in its 
raised end, and pour the water and afterward the solution 
through this. Hold the lips of the vulva together until the womb 
and vagina fills, and hold the solution in for a few minutes. If 
neck of womb is so closed that the liquid will not flow out, with- 
draw the tube and let it flush out and then refill. As injections, 

use: 

Acetate of Lead 3 drachms. 

Water I quart. 

Mix and inject as above directed. 

Or, instead of this, use: 

Sulphate of Iron 3 drachms. 

Water i quart. 

Or, another good injection is: 

Hyposulphite of Soda i to 2 ounces. 

Water i quart. 

It is also well to use, part of the time, the following antiseptic 

injection: 

Carbolic Acid 2 drachms. 

Water i quart. 

At the beginning of the treatment, flush out with the water 
and use one of the injections every day; later, once in two days, 
and as improvement takes place, once in three days. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 431 

Internally, give the following: 

Sulphate of Iron y^ poutfd. 

Saltpeter ^ " 

Mix. Dose : Tablespoonful in moistened 
grain, twice daily. 

If the animal is unthrifty, alternate with the foregoing the 
Nux Vomica and Gentian tonic, as recommended for "Chronic 
Indigestion." 

•'MILK FEVER— PARTURIENT APOPLEXY— The 

term "milk fever" is not a correct name for this disease, as there 
is rarely any fever associated with it; in fact, the temperature is 
usually below normal. Neither is the latter name entirely correct. 
It does not follow difficult or protracted labor, flooding, nor 
retention of the placenta, as is the case with puerperal fever, 
with which it is sometimes confounded, but is a disease of well- 
fed, large, milk-producing cows, and when it occurs, it nearly 
always follows an easy parturition. 

Causes. — The exact cause of the disease is not known, but 
certain things seem to predispose to it. High feeding before 
parturition, getting the animal into what would be called an 
excellent condition, is a well-recognized predisposing cause. This 
is dangerous, however, only with mature cows, and good milkers; 
heifers with first, or second, calf do not have the disease, neither 
io light milkers. It is a disease of the dairy cow. 

Syyyiptonis. — In many cases the cow is down and partially, or 
entirely, unconscious, when disease is first noticed. If the attack 
is seen early, the first symptom is uneasiness. The cow keeps 
stepping with the hind feet, is dull, appetite gone, and milk 
secretion is lessened, or stopped. If the cow is forced to walk, 
there is a reeling of the hind limbs; there is also a sort of vacant 
stare to the eyes. These symptoms increase until the cow is 
unable to stand, and falls, or lies down. After going down the 
head is usually turned toward the side, with the nose against the 
side of the chest, just back of the elbow. In severe cases the 
cow is totally unconscious, but in mild cases only partialh' so. 
If the head is straightened out in front, a sort of kink will be 
* See new treatment in Addenda, page 782. 



432 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

seen in the neck. Often there is a slight moan with the breath- 
ing, due to the stupor. Sometimes, instead of lying as above, 
the cow is delirious, thrashing about almost continuously. 
The temperature is about normal, or a little below, pulse some- 
what rapid. The feces collects in the rectum, but is seldom 
passed off, and the urine remains in the bladder. With this 
disease the cow is to a great extent unconscious, or delirious, 
and so it need not be mistaken for other conditions. The fact 
that there is no fever, unless there is some complication, also 
helps distinguish it from inflammation of the womb, for which it 
is sometimes mistaken by the inexperienced. 

Treatment. — 

It is very important, in treating this disease, that the cow be 
kept lying upon her brisket. Keep her bolstered in this position 
with bags of straw if necessary ; let the head lie around against 
the side. See that her front and hind feet are under her natu- 
rally for lying in this position. She should be rolled from one 
side to the other, three or four times a day. Blanket the cow 
warmly ; it is a good plan to put bottles of hot water or bags of 
hot salt under the blanket. Clean the feces from the rectum two 
or three times a day with the hand; also draw the urine with a 
catheter three times a day. To draw the urine, see "Suppression 
of the Urine," under Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 

Internal treatment must be very carefully given, as the 
animal will not swallow, and the medicines will pass into the 
lungs and cause inflammation of them. Never drench a cow 
after she goes down, and very carefully after the first symptoms 
show, and before she goes down. 

The following may be given, by giving very slowly: 

Fluid Extract Belladonna ^ teaspoon ful. 

Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica yi " 

Fluid Extract Digitalis 15 drops. 

Water 2 tablespoonfuls 

Mix, and give as one dose everj^ two hours. 
Elevate the nose a little and give a tablespoon- 
ful slowly into the back of the mouth; after a 
few minutes give another, and so on, until the 
dose is given. 



DISEASES OF CATTEE 433 

Along with the foregoing, give the treatment into the udder, 
known as the Schmidt treatment. Great care is necessary in 
asing this treatment, or the udder will be inflamed ; everything 
must be very clean. The necessary equipment is a milking tube, 
a piece of rubber tubing about two feet long, a small funnel, a 
quart bottle, and a quantity of 3 per cent. Carbolic Acid solution 
— Carbolic Acid i ounce, water i quart — and 2^ drachms of 
Iodide of Potash — the drug to be injected. First clean the quart 
bottle with hot water, and then put into it i ounce of the Car- 
bolic Acid solution and shake it; now put into it the 2}^ drachms 
of Iodide of Potash. After this fill up the bottle with water that 
has been recently boiled, pouring directly from the teakettle into 
the bottle; set the bottle into a dish of water nearly as hot, to 
prevent its breaking. After the bottle is filled, cork it, and we 
know the bottle is free from germs. Cool the solution until it is 
the temperature of milk, by setting it in a pail of warm water 
and then gradually cooling the water by pouring cold water into 
the pail. The solution is now ready to inject into the udder. 
Fasten the milking tube into one end of the rubber tube, and put 
the funnel in the other end, and place in a dish containing some 
of the Carbolic Acid solution — enough to cover the tube and 
rubber ; dip up some of the solution and let it run through the 
tube. These instruments should be clean. Place the rest of 
the Carbolic Acid solution into another dish. To inject, milk 
all the milk from the udder, then pick up one of the teats and 
wash it off with the Carbolic Acid solution, especially the end of 
the duct. Have the assistant pick up the funnel, taking hold of 
the outside of it, and raise it up so the solution all runs out ; take 
hold of the milking tube and insert it into the teat, taking care 
that it does not touch anything after it leaves the solution until 
it enters the teat; elevate the funnel, dash a little of the Carbolic 
Acid solution over the mouth of the bottle, remove the cork and 
pour one-fourth of the amount into the funnel. Eet the funnel 
empty two or three times so that some air will be forced into the 
udder. Remove the tube from the teat and place it in the Car- 
bolic Acid solution; cork the Potash solution; clean another teat, 
and inject in the same manner. Repeat with each of the teats. 
The principal point in the injection is to see that everything is 



434 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

•clean, and use tlie Carbolic solution freely on instruments, hands 
and teats. After injecting the solution, knead the udder gently 
for ten to fifteen minutes. If the animal shows no improvement 
after eight or ten hours, strip out the udder and repeat the 
injection : it may be repeated again in ten or twelve hours later 
if required, using only 2 drachms of the Potash. A cow often 
recovers from the disease very rapidly, being on her feet and 
showing a desire for food in three or four hours after improve- 
ment commences ; on the other hand, they often die very quickly. 
It is very hard to tell which way the disease is going to turn 
from the appearance of the animal; some cases which seem to be 
light, terminate fatally, while what seem to be very severe 
cases, get well. 

Another treatment which is coming into use, and seems to be 
■even more successful than the Schmidt treatment, is the Oxygen 
treatment, which consists in filling the udder with Oxygen gas. 
This treatment requires a veterinarian, and in small places they 
cannot get the gas. 

After the cow gets up, give her from i to i ^ pounds of 
Epsom Salts, if she did not have any before parturition; and also 
give a tablespoonful of Saltpeter, three times a day for a few 
days. If she has required three or four doses of the Iodine 
treatment, she will come to her feed slowly and also to her milk 
slowly. 

Prevention. — As this disease can in many cases be pre- 
vented, the preventive treatment is important. Do not give 
heavy milkers, rich, milk-producing food for a time before calving. 
If the cow is in good pasture, put her into poorer, or in the stable 
and feed hay. Do not feed silage after a cow goes dry, until after 
calving. Keep the bowels loose by giving occasional pound-doses 
of Epsom Salts, commencing two weeks before, and give every 
three or four days, giving the last dose, if possible, just before 
she calves, or immediately after. Also give Saltpeter, a table- 
spoonful once or twice a day, commencing two weeks before 
parturition should take place. Another preventive measure 
which some consider very valuable, is not to milk the cow dry 
after delivery; taking only what the calf wants for a couple of 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 435 

days, and then gradually taking a little more, until the fifth or 
sixth day she can be milked dry. Many things go to indicate 
that this is a valuable preventive measure, and is perfectly safe. 
Do not commence to feed millc-producing food for four or five 
days after parturition. The fact that an animal has the disease 
once is no indication that she will have it again. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE MILK-BAG OR UD- 
DER— MAMMITIS— GARGET.— This is an inflammation of 
the mammary gland. Sometimes the term * ' caked bag ' ' is 
applied to it. The term "garget" is used more when the milk 
secretion is changed, and appears as a thick or stringy fluid. This 
disease usually occurs at the time of parturition, but it may 
appear any time during the period of lactation. 

Causes. — May arise from irritation or injury, as kicks, blows, 
or another animal stepping on the udder; from the retention of 
the milk too long without being drawn; by germs entering the 
udder; by exposure, being out in cold rains or lying on wet 
ground. It often follows the careless use of the milking tube. 

Sympto77is. — Adverse type of mammitis that takes on the 
active inflammatory character may be ushered in by a shivering 
fit, which is succeeded in a short time by fever and dullness. In 
the milder forms these symptoms are absent, and only the local 
symptoms in the udder are present. The udder becomes hot, and 
hard, red, swollen, and sore. In bad cases, it being so painful to 
touch, the cow is averse to being milked. Milk is often curdled, 
and sometimes bloody. The trouble may stop here, and terminate 
by a change for the better, or it may go on to suppuration, 
the pus, in some cases, discharging inside and coming awaj^ with 
the milk, and in others, through an opening on the outside. 
Again it may not fester at all, but become hardened, and remain 
permanently enlarged, or it may become gangrenous and slough 
off. The inflammation may attack one quarter only, or all the 
udder. Sometimes the only sj^mptom indicating that there is 
inflammation present, is a little thick or bloody milk. Some cows 
are quite susceptible to this condition. 



436 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

If dependent on calving, and the cow is fat and feverish, 
give a good laxative: 

Epsom Salts i to 2 pounds. 

Ginger i ounce. 

Water 2 quarts. 

And follow this with J^ -ounce doses of Saltpeter two or three 
times a day, and in very bad cases, along with this, 15 or 20 drops 
Fluid Extract of Aconite, and i drachm Fluid Extract of Bella- 
donna. Foment the udder with hot water several times a day, 
and after each fomenting rub the udder well with one of the fol- 
lowing: Camphorated Oil, or; 

Camphorated Oil 4 ounces. 

Turpentme i ounce. 

Shake. 

The following is also good: 

Witch Hazel 3 ounces. 

Soap Liniment 3 " 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 ounces. 

A very good method is to alternate the lotions. In bad 
cases, the fomenting should be kept up almost continuously; this 
can be done by suspending the udder in a shallow bag; to sus- 
pend, pass straps, or strings, from the front corners of the bag 
over the loins and tie, and from the back corners of the bag 
between the hind legs and up, and tie to the front strings where 
they pass over the loins. Place a folded grain bag on the loins 
under the strings; pack in the bag, around the inflamed part of 
the udder, woolen cloths, and pour over these, every fifteen 
minutes, water as hot as the animal will stand. If an abscess 
forms, continue fomenting until it points and then open and treat 
as given for "Abscesses." If it becomes hard, use Iodine Oint- 
ment (see Prescriptions, back of book). 

If the milk in the udder is thick and difficult to get out, 
inject into the udder a little recently boiled water that has cooled 
down in the teakettle; inject, as in "Milk Fever." After 
injecting, gently knead the udder for a few minutes to break up 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 437 



the thick milk, aud then milk out; repeat the process, if neces- 
sary. If there is reason to believe that the inflammation is due 
to the action of germs within the udder, inject into it a mild 
antiseptic lotion, as: 

Lysol 2 drachms. 

Water i quart. 

Shake. 

Inject from 4 to 6 ounces into each affected quarter; knead 
gently for ten minutes, and then milk out; repeat three times a 
day. 

In mild cases, where there is simply a little thick or bloody 
milk, the dose of Epsom Salts and the use of the Saltpeter for a 
few days will generally correct; if not, use the lotions. 

In the more severe attacks, feed lightly, withholding the 
milk-producing foods. This disease should always receive prompt 
attention, for if severe it is apt to destroy a portion of the udder. 
When the udder shows inflammation before parturition, as it so 
frequently does, first try the Epsom Salts and Saltpeter, and if 
this does not check it, commence milking the cow and use the 
local applications. 

SMALL ROUND LUMPS IN THE MILK PAS- 
SAGE. — lyittle pea-like tumors sometimes grow in the milk 
passage, in the teat, resulting in some cases in its complete 
obstruction and the subsequent loss of the quarter. 

Symptoms. — The presence in the duct of a snial' body which 
prevents to a greater or less extent the flow of the milk. 

Treatment. — 

This is oftentimes quite unsatisfactory. At first try applying 
to the outside of the teat, over the obstruction. Tincture of Iodine; 
apply two or three times a day and rub in well. If this does not 
relieve, a little weak tincture may be injected directly into the 
duct; dilute a little Tincture of Iodine with equal parts of water, 
close the duct above the obstruction, so the solution cannot go 
into the udder, by pinching the teat between the thumb and 
finger, then inject into the duct through a milking tube the 
Iodine solution; repeat once a day. If this fails, it is sometimes 



438 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

possible to pass a fine- looped wire into the duct, hook it over the 
obstruction and remove it. Everything else failing, the obstruc- 
tion can be cut down upon and removed; this best be done when 
the cow is dry, but can be done when giving milk. Whenever 
possible, leave the operation to a veterinarian. To operate, use 
the Cocaine solution, injecting a little of it inside the duct as v/ell 
as rubbing on the outside (see Operations, page 347). Pass a 
milking tube, and then cut down onto the duct, just a little to one 
side of the growth, and with a pair of scissors remove the obstruc- 
tion. Sew up the wound. If giving milk, use the milking tube 
until the wound heals; if dry, pass the tube twice each day 
until healed, to prevent duct from closing up. (See "Passing 
the Milking Tube.") 

PASSING THE MILKING TUBE.— The milking tube 
is a small tube of silver or hard rubber, for introducing into the 
duct of the teat to draw the milk, when, for any reason, it can 
not be got in the normal way. It is very simple to pass the tube 
up into the teat, but in order to prevent inflammation of the 
udder as the result of the irritation produced, great care should 
be taken in using the tube. The tube should be perfectly clean 
and, before being used, placed in a Carbolic Acid solution; a 
convenient way to do this, is to tie a small string around the end 
which does not go into the teat, and then drop the tube into a 
small bottle of the solution; by leaving the string outside, the 
tube can be readily taken out for use; put it into the solution a 
few minutes before using it; in introducing it, take hold of it be- 
low the part which enters the teat, shake a little, to remove the 
Carbolic lotion, apply a little clean Carbolized lard— lard, i 
teacupful, Carbolic Acid, i teaspoonful — and gently push it into 
the duct, introducing it only far enough to pass the obstruction. 
Unless carefully used, the tube will cause inflammation, and 
destroy the quarter. 

BLOODY MILK.— 

Cajcses. — Blood may escape with the milk from injury to the 
bag; when it is congested or inflamed; when the circulation 
through the udder is, for some reason, suddenly increased, and 
the small blood vessels rupture. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 439 

Treatment. — 

The treatment will vary with the cause. If due to injury, 
or inflammation, treat as under "Inflammation of the Udder." 
If simply due to a congestion, and there seems to be no inflam- 
mation, give a tablespoonful of Saltpeter three times a day; if 
this fails to correct the trouble, give with the Saltpeter a tea- 
spoonful of Fluid Extract of Belladonna, and apply to the udder 
the Witch Hazel and Belladonna liniment, as for " Inflammation 
of the Udder." A dose of Epsom Salts will sometimes prove 
effectual. 

BLUE MILK.— 

Cause. — From the presence in the milk of germs (bacillus 
cyanogenus), milk takes on a skyblue color; these germs gener- 
ally enter the milk after it leaves the udder, but in some cases 
the germs may get into the ducts of the teat and enter the milk 
as it passes out. If the germs are thought to be in the udder, 
flush it out with the Lysol solution, as recommended under 
"Inflammation of the Udder," Use: 

Lysol 2 drachms. 

Water I quart. 

After injecting it into the udder and kneading the gland, 
place a finger over the end of the duct, force some of the solution 
into the duct and hold it there for a few minutes, and then milk 
out. Repeat, if necessary. Also give all milking utensils a good 
scalding. 

STRINGY MILK. — Stringy milk is another condition of 
the milk which is produced by certain germs getting into it. 
The germs may get into the udder by cows being allowed access 
to stagnant ponds, where they can get the udder covered with 
mud and slime. Cows giving milk should not be allowed access 
to stagnant ponds, or be forced to drink water from such places. 
The water they drink should be pure. 

Treatment. — 

Same as for "Blue Milk." 



440 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

CHAPPED OR SORE TEATS.— 

Causes. — From anything that irritates them. The sudden 
chilling of the teat in winter after the calf has let go, or after the 
completion of milking with wet hands; contact with cold water 
or putrid water, or with filth in lying down; from cows running 
through the wet grass; or, flies may be the cause. 

Treatment. — 

Kach time, after milking, rub the teats with some healing 
ointment, as the following: 

Vaseline 2 ounces. 

Oxide of Zinc i drachm. 

Carbolic Acid 25 drops. 

Mix well together, and apply as directed. 

Or: 

Vaseline 2 ounces. 

Subnitrate of Bismuth % ounce. 

Carbolic Acid 25 drops. 

Mix. 
Or. 

Glycerine i otmce. 

Witch Hazel i ounce. 

Carbolic Acid >^ drachm. 

Shake. 

"White Lotion" (page 263), is also good to apply to the 
teats. 

In some cases a tablespoonful of Saltpeter, given internally 
twice a day, will prove of value. 

WARTS ON THE TEATS.— These are often trouble- 
some, yet they may be greatly benefited or entirely removed by 
smearing them thickly after each milking with pure Olive Oil. 
If they persist, they may be cut off with a sharp pair of scissors 
and the sore touched with a stick of Lunar Caustic. They may 
then be oiled and the caustic repeated if necessary, to prevent 
their return. Applying a little Acetic Acid to the warts once in 
three or four days will remove them. If there are a large 
number on the teat, treat only a few of them at a time. 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 44i 

CUTS AND INJURIES TO THE TEATS.— 

Causes. — The teats of cows are often injured by barb wire; 
from other animals stepping on them, etc. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment will depend upon the injury. If a cut, and 
it extends into the duct, it should be sewed up; if the teat is torn, 
the edges must be brought together in such a way as not to leave 
the duct open. To sew up, first apply to the edges of the wound 
a little of the Cocaine solution (see Operations, page 347), then 
bring the edges together and hold them there with stitches. Be 
sure the wound is clean before sewing up (see Wounds). Draw 
the milk with a milking tube until healed, and keep the cow 
quiet and well bedded. 

Injuries which do not open the duct maybe treated with oint- 
ment as under " Chapped or Sore Teats." When the end of the 
teat is injured, care must be taken or the duct will close and 
make milking difficult. To prevent this, keep in the end of the 
teat a little plug, shaped something like a bone collar button, a 
button with a rather small round head answers fairly well if the 
neck of the button is large enough to keep the duct from closing 
too much. Keep this in the end of the duct all the time, except 
when milking, and use a tube for drawing the milk until the 
injury is healed. 

FISTULA, OR EXTRA DUCTS OF THE TEAT. 

— Sometimes an extra duct will lead from the main duct out on 
the side of the teat, or at one side of the end, the extra duct 
eading into the main duct before it reaches the udder; sometimes 
the extra duct will lead into a small, extra gland near the base 
of the teat. 

Caicses. — The condition is present at birth, except where it 
results from an improperly treated wound. 

Treatment. — 

If the two ducts unite before reaching the udder, close the one 
which is out of place as follows: Rub the end of the duct for a few 
minutes with the Cocaine solution (see Operations, page 347), 
then make a little cut about half an inch long through the center of 



442 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

the opening and lengthwise of the teat — cut in about one-half 
way to the main duct ; then scrape the duct where it is cut open 
until it is raw, and put in a stitch and draw the edges of 
the wound close together. The best time to operate is when the 
cow is dry. If giving milk, use the milking tube until the 
wound heals. 

If the extra duct leads into a small gland, the little gland 
can be destroyed by injecting into it a little diluted Tincture of 
Iodine ; dilute a little Tincture of Iodine with an equal amount 
of water and inject a little of it into the part to be destroyed. 
This will set up inflammation, which will destroy the part. 
Before doing this, be sure the extra duct does not lead into the 
main gland ; in such a case do not inject, but close the end as 
described above. 

STRICTURE OF THE DUCT AT THE BASE OF 
THE TEAT. — Sometimes it is found, when a cow freshens, that 
the milk will not come down into the teat — it is closed where it 
joins the udder. The closure is due to a membrane forming 
across the duct, where it unites with the cavity in the udder. 

Treatment.— 

The treatment is to break the membrane; this can be done 
by pushing a milking tube through it, but the hole thus made is 
so small that the milk will not come down, except through the 
tube, and by passing the tube at each milking, the quarter soon 
becomes inflamed, and so the teat bistoury has to be used and the 
stricture cut. To use the instrument, the little knife is drawn 
within the tube, it is then passed the same as a milking tube 
until the knife is beyond the stricture, the knife is then pushed 
out and the instrument drawn down past the stricture, cutting it; 
when below the stricture, the knife is again concealed and the 
instrument withdrawn from the teat. It may be necessary to cut 
the stricture in two directions. The milk flowing through at 
milking time will keep the cut from closing up. 

ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH.— Prema- 
ture expulsion of the fcetus is called abortion in the earlier 
periods of gestation, and premature birth in the latter part of 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 443 

gestation. It not infrequently takes on a contagious character, 
which will be treated under "Contagious Abortion." 

Causes. — Poor condition; weakness and too watery a state of 
the blood; being hooked or pushed about by other cattle, or 
kicked or clubbed by brutal attendants; jumping, leaping or fall- 
ing; irritant poisons; and any severe sickness may act as causes. 

Symptoms. — In the first two or three months of pregnancy 
no S5^mptoms may have been observed, and unless the aborted 
product is seen, the fact of abortion may escape notice. The 
cow coming in heat later on, suggests that the accident happened. 
Some soiling of the tail with mucus, blood, and the waters, may 
be seen, or udder show firmness, and in virgin heifer or dry cow 
a few drops of milk noted, or the foetus with membranes found. 
In advanced pregnancy, abortion is much the same as parturition 
with like symptoms. The important thing is to distinguish the 
early symptoms in order to apply treatment, and try to arrest the 
progress of the trouble. A cow is dull, sluggish, separate from 
the herd, chewing cud languidly, or there may be frequent lying 
down and rising; uneasy motions of hind feet or tail; back arched 
and tail carried well back from the body, and slightly accelerated 
pulse and breathing. If these conditions exist in a pregnant cow, 
examine for any increase in mucus in vagina, or for blood or 
liquid there or on root of the tail; for enlargement, or firmness 
of the udder, or in dry cows for milk, and for any slight straining 
like labor pains. 

Although the first symptoms of trouble may have appeared, 
in some cases, further progress can be checked. So long as the 
foetus has not perished, or water discharged, nor water-bag pre- 
sented, progress of disease should be staj^ed, if possible; and as 
it is impossible to tell whether these conditions do exist or not, 
the treatment is given to all cases. If any of the foregoing con- 
ditions have taken place, the treatment will be unsuccessful, and 
abortion will take place. 

Treatment. — 

Place the animal in a quiet place, and give quieting drugs; 
Chloral Hydrate in i J^ -ounce doses, or Laudanum in 2-ounce 
doses, giving either one with a drachm of Fluid Extract of 



444 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Belladonna in yi pint of water; repeat in two hours; again in three 
or four hours; and then three or four times a day. Also give from 
I to 2-ounce doses of Black Haw ( Viburnum Prunifoliuni) ^ 
repeated three times a day. This drug has a special quieting 
action on the uterus. If treatment fails, the labor will increase 
and the foetus be expelled. Where it takes place late in the 
period of gestation, assistance may be needed as with normal 
parturition, and the same principles, with regard to making an 
examination, should be carried out. 

The after treatment is important; if there is any reason to 
suspect contagious abortion, treat as under "Contagious Abortion' ' 
in Contagious Diseases op Cattle. If thought to be due to 
other causes than contagion, keep the cow by herself for a week or 
two, feed laxative foods, or, if these cannot be had, give J^ -pound 
doses of Kpsom Salts every second or third day; also give a table- 
spoonful of Saltpeter and a teaspoonful of Fluid Extract of 
Belladonna three times a day for a week. It is also well to flush 
out the womb once a day with an antiseptic, or an astringent, 
lotion, as for " Inflammation of the Womb." Do not breed the 
cow again for two or three months. Abortion is quite apt to be 
followed with leucorrhea, and so the after-treatment is important. 
If the after-birth does not come away, it should be removed the 
same as with normal parturition. 

BARRENNESS IN COWS AND BULLS— STER- 
ILITY. — This is an inability to reproduce the species. Such 
an animal is called a ' 'non-breeder. ' ' The trouble is more 
common among pure bred, highly-fed cattle than with the 
so-called ' ' scrubs . ' ' 

Causes. — In cows, from their being kept in a high condition ; 
from diseased ovaries ; contracted or diseased neck of the womb ; 
from womb being deformed in some way, as twisted to one 
side; being one of twins, the other of which is a bull — a free-martin; 
from altered mucus secretions ; leucorrhea, etc. 

In bulls, it may be from fatty degeneration of the testicles, 
seen most in old bulls ; from malformation or disease of the 
genital organs ; from high feeding and too little exercise ; from 
poor feeding ; the using too freely, especially when young. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 445 

In both bulls and cows, it may come from being too closely 
inbred for several generations. 

Treatment. — 

In cows, if from high condition, restrict feed, give opportun- 
ities for liberal exercise, and give her a physic oi il4 pounds of 
Epsom Salts in a quart of tepid water, as a drench ; also give a 
tablespoonful of Saltpeter twice a day for two or three weeks. 
Examine the cow and if the mouth of the womb is closed, try to 
open it by gently inserting the finger. If this is difficult, tie a 
string to a small wad of cotton batting, saturate with the Fluid 
Extract of Belladonna and press this into the mouth of the womb 
and leave it there for an hour ; also give a teaspoonful of the 
Belladonna internally and apply hot applications to the loins. 
After an hour or two, again try to open the womb and, if success- 
ful, breed the cow. Cone-shaped structures made of sponge, called 
"tents," are also used to press into the mouth of the womb, 
which, when moistened, soften and enlarge the mouth. These 
can be procured of instrument dealers. If there is leucorrhea or 
any disease of that nature present, treat by flushing out the womb 
as described under "Leucorrhea," using the same lotions. If 
everything seems to be normal, and yet the cow fails to conceive, 
give for one month the tonics as recommended for "Chronic 
Indigestion," and follow this for two weeks with the following : 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Camphor i drachm. 

Asafetida i drachm. 

Thin Linseed gruel i pint. 

Give as one dose, twice daily. 

In case of the bull, if he has been closely confined, and rather 
highly fed, reduce the feed and give exercise; to do this, stretch 
a large wire between two posts or trees which are some distance 
apart, and high enough so the bull can pass under it; have a ring 
on the wire, and near the ends fasten something to the wire so 
the ring will not slip up close to the tree (keep it far enough 
away so the bull cannot pass around the tree and get tangled up) 
and fasten the bull to the ring on the wire by means of a rope four 
to six feet long, fastened to the ring in his nose. If he does not 



446 THK PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

exercise much, make him, by taking a whip and driving him 
back and forth at a good, sharp pace for half an hour, three times 
a day. After he gets quite poor, gradually bring "him back into 
condition again by good feed, and the use of the tonics as for 
"Chronic Indigestion," and continue the exercise. During treat- 
ment, do not allow him to cover any cows. Working in a tread 
power is excellent exercise for a bull. If there is any disease of 
the generative organs, treat accordingly. 

NYMPHOMANIA.— This is an excess of desire for sexual 
intercourse on the part of the cow. Such cows will take the bull 
at any time, but rarely ever conceive, and when they do, nearly 
always abort. In some sections they are called " bullers." 

Causes. — Usually from chronic inflammation of some of the 
generative organs. It may also be excited by an excess of highly 
nitrogenous food, as beans, peas, vetches, wheat bran, middlings, 
etc.; especially if there is a lack of exercise, and subject to the 
constant association of a vigorous young bull. 

Symptoms. — The animal is in a state of continual sexual 
excitement, and is constantly riding, or being ridden, by other 
cattle; in bad cases, the excitement and actions are such as to 
keep the animal in poor flesh. 

Treatment. — 

This will vary with the cause. Overfeeding on rich food 
should be stopped, and exercise given in an open field by herself. 
Diseased ovaries may be removed by spaying (see in Opera- 
tions) . Catarrh of the womb and passages may be treated, as 
called for in " I,eucorrhea." Internally give i -pound doses of 
Epsom Salts every four or five days, and also use the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i drachm. 

Camphor 2 drachms. 

Saltpeter }^ ounce. 

Thin gruel >^ pint. 

Give as one dose, twice a day. Continue for 
two weeks, withhold, and then give again if 
necessary. 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 447 



DISEASES OF YOUNG CALVES 



SUSPENDED BREATHING IN NEW BORN 
CALVES. — The moment the circulation through the navel 
string is stopped, death promptlj^ follows unless breathing is 
established. Fortunately the desire to breathe, aroused by the 
circulation of the venous blood and the reflex action from the 
wet and chilling skin, usually at once starts the contractions of 
the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles, and life is insured. 

Catises. — Among the causes of suspended breathing before 
and during birth are: compression of the navel cord stopping 
circulation, while foetus is still in such a position that respiration 
cannot commence; the detachment of fetal membranes from the 
womb too early in the act of parturition; a run-down, weakened 
condition in the calf from starvation or disease in the cow; faint- 
ing in a debilitated calf, when calving has been prolonged; when 
the calf is bom with head so wrapped in membranes that it can- 
not breathe; and tenacious phlegm in mouth and nose acting in 
like manner. 

Treatment. — 

Give attention to calf at once and relieve it of its investing 
membranes, and of any mucus that has accumulated in nose and 
mouth. Wiping out the nose deeply with the finger or a feather 
excites to sneezing, and in this way to breathing. Blowing into 
the nose has a similar effect. Sucking the nostril through a tube 
applied to it is even more effective. Slapping the chest with 
palm of hand or with a towel dipped in cold water, compression 
and relaxation alternately of walls of the chest, by carrying the 
front legs forward and apart, and then back, and crowded 
together, at the rate of about twenty movements per minute, 
may start the action, and ammonia fumes or tobacco smoke 
blown into the nose may suffice. Every second is precious, how- 
ever, and if possible the lungs should be dilated by forcing air 
into them from a bellows or from human lungs. As the air is 
blown in through bellows or tube, the upper end of the windpipe 



448 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

must be pressed back against the gullet, or otherwise the air will 
go to the stomach. In a large dairy, a piece of elastic tubing 
one-third inch in bore, should be kept at hand for sucking or 
blowing in such cases. 

BLEEDING FROM THE NAVEL.— This may happen 
in two ways — when the cord is cut oflE too close to the navel and 
left untied, and when it tears off at the navel. It may also bleed 
when torn across naturally, if it is sucked by the dam or another 
calf. In an animal that has but little plasticity to its blood, it 
will flow under almost any circumstances. 

Treatment. — 

Where any cord is left it is always safe to tie it, and it is 
only when swollen and when it may contain a loop of the bowel, 
that there is any danger of doing so. By pressing upward any 
bulky contents, such danger is avoided. If torn or cut too close 
to be tied, the bleeding may be checked by applying powdered 
Alum or Copperas, holding in place with compress and tight 
bandage around the body, or by holding against it, for a fraction 
of a second, the end of a rod at dull-red heat. Before tying the 
cord or applying the astringents, wash with Carbolic Acid lotion 
and also wet the string, which is used to tie around the cord, 
in the same solution. 

URINE DISCHARGED THROUGH THE NAVEL. 

— Before birth the urine passes from the bladder by a special tube, 
the urachus, through the navel and string into the outer water- 
bag. This at birth closes, and in the calf the tube is drawn in 
toward the bladder. It is more likely to remain open in the bull- 
calf. The urethra is sometimes abnormally narrow, or even 
closed, in the male. 

Treatment. — 

If part of the cord remains, tie it, as for "Bleeding from the 
Navel," and allow it to wither up naturally. If the end is too 
short to tie, apply the astringents as for bleeding. A blister of 
Spanish Fly, causing swelling of the skin, will often close the 
orifice. A hot iron may also be used. If the urethra of the 
male is closed, and cannot be opened, and the urachus is closed, 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 449 

the urine will collect in the bladder and cause death, but often- 
times after the urachus is closed the urine will pass out through 
the natural channel. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE NAVEL URINE- 
DUCT.— 

Causes. — Inflammation of the urachus, or navel urine-duct, 
may arise from direct injury to navel in calving or shortly after, 
with or without irritant or septic matter on its cut or lacerated end. 

Symptoms. — There is redness and swelling at the posterior 
part of the navel and an escape of urine and a whitish serous pus 
from the orifice of the urachus. Where the urine is not dis- 
charged there is a tender swelling, like a thick cord, that extends 
upward and backward from navel to abdomen. Navel enlarge- 
ment may be considerable, but it is solid, and cannot be pressed 
back into abdomen as in hernia. In cases at first closed, the pus 
may burst out later from back part of navel and swelling extend 
backward. In some cases whitish pus may pass in urine by 
ordinary channel, showing that it has opened back into bladder. 
In other cases the umbilical veins are involved, and swelling 
extends forward as well as backward. Disease may result in 
destructive disorders of the liver, lungs, and above all, of the 
joints. 

Treatment. — 

Disease may be warded off, or made comparatively harmless, 
by applying antiseptics to the navel string at birth, as : 

Carbolic Acid i teaspoonful. 

Glycerine 2 ounces. 

Water 2 ounces. 

Mix and apply. 

After a day or two, if discharge continues, apply White 
Lotion (see Prescriptions, in back of book). If inflammation 
is extensive, apply hot fomentations or a poultice, holding in 
place by a bandage about the body. If joints become affected, 
treat as under the next disorder. In bad cases, also give inter- 
nally 5 drops of Fluid Extract of Belladonna and a tablespoonful 
of Sweet Spirits of Niter in a little water, three or four times 
a day. 

29 



450 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

INFLAMMATION OF THE JOINTS IN CALVES 
— JOINT-ILL. — This occurs in young calves within the first 
months after birth. It may attack any of the joints, quite often 
the hocks or knees, and is usually connected with inflammation 
of the navel. 

Symptoms — Are swelling in one or more joints, which are 
very hot and tender. Calf is stiff and lame, lies down constantly, 
and does not suck; there is very high fever, and quickened" 
breathing and pulse; and there is inflammation, swelling, and 
pus-like discharge — often fetid — from the navel. There may also 
be symptoms of disease of liver, lungs, heart, or bowels, but the 
important point is to look to condition of the navel in all such 
cases of diseased and swollen joints beginning in the first month 
of life. 

Treatment. — 

Treat navel as in preceding disorder. Foment the joints with 
hot water, by putting a heavy woolen bandage about them and 
wetting this with hot water, as hot as the animal can stand; 
cover the wet bandages with a dry blanket; re-apply the water 
every half hour; also bathe the joints well, two or three times a 
day, with the following liniment: 

Soap Liniment 3 ounces. 

Witch Hazel 2 ounces. 

Turpentine i ounce. 

Laudanum 2 ounces. 

Shake. 

White Lotion (page 263), is also good to bathe the joints 
with. 

Internally give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite % drachm. 

Fluid Extract Colchicum Seed i^ drachms. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter 4 ounces. 

Water, to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: i ounce, three or four times 
a day. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 451 

Also give: 

Hyposulphite of Soda 2 drachms. 

Quinine 10 grains. 

Three times a day in a little thin gruel. 

If abscesses form about joint, treat as recommended under 

"Abscesses." 

CONSTIPATION IN CALVES— RETENTION OF 
THE MECONIUM. — At birth the bowels of a calf contain 
the "meconium," a tenacious, gluey, brownish-yellow material 
largely derived from the liver, which should be expelled within a 
short time after birth, that they may go on with their natural 
function. The first milk of the cow — colostrum — rich in albumen 
and salts, is nature's laxative to expel the meconium, and it 
should never be withheld from the calf. If for lack of this, from 
the dry feeding of the cow, or from any other cause, the calf is 
costive, straining violently without passage, lying down and 
rising as in colic, and failing in appetite, no time should be lost 
in giving relief; give an ounce or two of Castor Oil and i drachm 
Cascara Sagrada, assisting the action by injections of warm soap- 
suds or oil into the rectum. Whatever meconium is within reach 
of the finger should be carefully removed. It is also important 
to give the cow a sloppy, laxative diet. If the oil fails to move 
the bowels, give from i to 2 ounces of Epsom Salts in a little 
warm water. 

The following may also be given in obstinate cases: 

Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica 10 drops. 

Fluid Extract of Jaborandi 20 " 

Aromatic Spirits Ammonia i teaspoonful. 

Water to make 2 ounces. 

Shake. Give as one dose; repeat three times 
a day if necessary. 

Restrict the feed until the bowels move. 

INDIGESTION IN YOUNG CALVES.— 

Causes. — This may occur from different causes, as costive- 
ness, a too liberal milk supply; too rich milk; the furnishing of 



452 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

the milk of a cow long after calving, to a very young calf; allow- 
ing a calf to suck the first milk from a cow that has, in any way, 
been violently excited; too long intervals between feeding; dirty, 
fermented milk; from feeding the mother unwholesome food; 
bad quarters; feeding starchy, artificial food; or overfeeding on 
artificial food. lyicking hair off themselves, or others, and the 
formation of same into balls in the stomach, causes obstinate indi- 
gestion. 

Syvtptovis. — Are dullness, indisposition to move, uneasiness, 
eructations of gas from the stomach, sour breath, more or less 
loss of appetite, lying down and rising as if in pain, fullness of 
the abdomen, which gives out a drum-like sound when tapped 
with the fingers. The costiveness may be marked at first, but it 
soon gives place to diarrhea, by which offensive matters may be 
carried off, and health restored. In other cases it runs into 
inflammation of the bowels, fever sets in, and calf ultimately 
dies. 

Treatment.— 

To clear the bowels, give i to 2 ounces Castor Oil, and also 
use the prescription as recommended in the preceding disorder, 
adding 10 drops Fluid Extract of Belladonna in case of much 
pain; and if sour eructations of gas from stomach are marked, 
give 2 tablespoonfuls of I^ime water, or i teaspoonful Cooking 
Soda two or three times a day. If disorder continues after 
bowels are moved, give a large tablespoonful of Rennet, or 30 
grains of Pepsin at each meal, along with the above mixture. If 
constipation recurs, give injections of warm water and soap, and 
treat diarrhea as in that disease. See next article. Feed good, 
wholesome milk, giving in it a teaspoonful of Blood Flour, and a 
little Linseed meal gruel. 

WHITE SCOURS IN CALVES. — GASTRIC 
CATARRH — DIARRHEA.— Hand raised calves are sub- 
ject to a form of diarrhea to which several names have been 
applied. 

Causes. — Not common with calves which suck, though may 
be occasioned by their sucking at long intervals, thus overloading 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 453 

the stomach and bringing on indigestion. Calves separated from 
their dams and given considerable quantites of cold milk at long 
intervals are liable to this form of trouble. Calves fed on milk 
substitutes frequently contract it, as do also those fed on milk 
from creameries, or from filthy pails. 

Symptoms. — The passages have a thin, yellowish- white 
appearance, are quite offensive, and become very frequent. The 
calf becomes dull, whisks its tail as though in pain every time 
there is a passage from the bowels, loses its appetite, becomes 
v/eak, and unless disease is checked it is apt to run into dysen- 
tery, when the passages become bloody and very thin; calf shows 
more or less pain by grating the teeth, and depressed countenance. 

Treatment. — 

Give I to 2 ounces Castor Oil with a tablespoonful of Lauda- 
num. This will clear the bowels. Then follow with teaspoonful 
doses of Laudanum three or four times a day. Dissolve a table- 
spoonful of Copperas in a pint of water and give 2 oimces of this 
solution in a little milk, three times a day. Give at different 
times than the Laudanum, Also give a teaspoonful of Cooking 
Soda or an ounce or two of Lime water. From a teaspoonful to a 
tablespoonful of Blood Flour is excellent for Scours, often check- 
ing severe cases without other treatment. In bad cases, where 
there is dysentery, use the following: 

Corrosive Sublmiate 7 grains. 

Water i pint. 

Shake. Dose: i to 3 tablespoonfuls, three or 
four times a day. 

Give a small amount of milk, three times a day, with i or 
2 well-beaten, raw eggs. Give clean, dry bedding frequently 
and cover calf with a blanket. 

INFECTIOUS SCOURS.— There is a form of scours 
which attacks calves two or three days after birth, and which 
terminates fatally in a short time. The disease is due to germs 
entering through the umbilical cord. Other organs as well as 
the bowels are affected, but the scouring is very characteristic. 



454 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — The scouring, great weakness, and death in a 
day or two. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment is preventive, as curative treatment fails. 
The prevention is to have everything very clean where the cow 
calves. The stall should be very clean; if other animals have 
used the same stall and their calves have died of the disease, the 
stall must be thoroughly disinfected and whitewashed before 
using again (see " Disinfection," page 66). As soon as the calf 
is bom, remove it from the stall, wash the navel cord thoroughly 
with a Carbolic Acid solution — Carbolic Acid, % ounce; water, 
I pint — ligate the cord close to the body with a string that has 
been soaked in the same solution, and then cut the cord off one- 
half inch below the string. Apply to the cord four or five times 
a day, or until it dries up, the Carbolic lotion and also the 
"White Lotion (see Prescriptions, in back of book) . 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE 
ORGANS OF THE BULL 



INFLAMMATION OF THE TESTICLES — 
ORCHITIS.— 

Causes. — Usually the result of blows, or other direct injuries, 
but may result from excessive service, or from some growth in 
the gland tissue. 

Symptoms. — Bull moves stiffly, with straddling gait, and the 
right or left half of the scrotum in which the affected testicle 
lies is swollen, red, and tender, and the gland is drawn up in the 
sac and dropped down again at frequent intervals. 

Treatment. — 

Give the following as a drench: 

Epsom Salts ij^ pounds. 

Ginger 2 drachms. 

Water, tepid i quart. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 455 



Foment the testicles well with hot water, the same as was 
recommended for fomenting the udder in inflammation of that gland 
(page 435) , and use the same lotions on the scrotum, especially the 
one containing the Belladonna. When not fomenting, apply a 
Linseed poultice. While treating, feed on soft food, and give a 
tablespoonful of Saltpeter three times a day; if the bull is a 
large fellow, heap the spoon. Should a soft point appear, indi- 
cating formation of matter, open and treat wound daily, with a 
solution made by adding 2 teaspoonfuls of Carbolic Acid to a pint 
of water. Usually, when inflammation has gone to point of sup- 
puration, the testicle is ruined for service, and must be removed 
by castration. A test, by putting bull to cows after he is well, 
will determine whether he will be of any more use in that line. 

INJURIES TO SHEATH AND PENIS.— 

Causes. — From jumping fence and being caught so as to 
injure parts; or in case of work oxen, from pressure and friction 
of the sling, when held Ih stock for shoeing. 

Symptoms. — If there is severe crushing of both sheath and 
penis, it leads, some hours later, to the development of a hard, hot, 
and painful swelling, reaching from scrotum to sheath. There is 
fever, dry muzzle, red eyes, hard, full, rapid pulse, and quickened 
breathing. Animal stands with hind legs apart and urine drop- 
ping from sheath. Appetite and rumination suspended. Later, 
unless promptly treated, mortification may result, the swelling 
getting cold and doughy. 

Treatment. — 

In severe cases must be prompt and judicious. Put straps 
around the patient, with soft pads in contact with affected parts, 
constantly soaked in cold water for at least twenty-four hours. 
Give I to 2 pounds of Epsom Salts in 2 quarts of hot water, and a 
tablespoonful of Saltpeter three times a day if the penis is not 
badly injured. The second day the parts may be bathed with: 

Extract of Witch Hazel Yz pint. 

Sugar of Lead i ounce. 

Laudanum 3 ounces. 

Water to make I pint. 



456 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

If active inflammation persists, the cold water application 
should be continued. If suppuration occurs, open at point of 
fluctuation when ready, letting out pus, and afterward syringe 
cavity with Carbolic lotion as for dressing wounds. Careful 
antiseptic treatment is also necessary in case of extensive slough- 
ing, as sometimes happens with severe inflammation. In mild 
cases simply bathing parts three times daily with hot or cold 
water and applying the White Lotion (see Prescriptions, in 
back of book) after wiping dry, continuing the treatment until 
well, will be found sufficient. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE URETHRA — GON- 
ORRHEA. — This is an inflammation of the urethra — the canal 
which conveys the urine through the penis from the bladder. 
" Causes. — It may originate in gravel, the excitement of too 
frequent service, infection from a cow with leucorrhea, or from 
extension of inflammation from the sheath. 

Symptoms. — There is an oozing of whitish liquid from the 
end of the penis and sheath, tenderness and pain when handled, 
and while there is no actual arrest of the urine, its flow is subject 
to voluntary checks, as it irritates the tender surface. 

Treatment. — 

Give I V2 pounds of Epsom Salts in a quart of tepid water 
as a drench; bathe the sheath well with hot water twice a day, 
and inject into the urethra a little of the following lotion: 

Acetate of Lead 2 drachms. 

Water i quart. 

Or: 

Permanganate of Potash 20 grains. 

Water i pint. 

Mix and shake well before using. 

Inject part of the time with: 

Lysol I drachm. 

Water i pint. 

To inject the solution, use a milking tube, a rubber tube and 
funnel, as for injecting into the udder in " Milk Fever." Put 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 457 

the milking tube into the urethra at the end of the penis, elevate 
the funnel and pour the solution into it; the funnel should be 
held as high as the back. 

Keep bull away from cows until he is cured, as some varieties 
of the disease are contagious. 

CASTRATIONS OF BULLS AND CALVES.— This 

consists in removing the testicles, the essential organs of gener- 
ation in the male. The best position for castrating bovines is 
standing, but they can be cast the same as the colt; the same 
kind of a throwing harness will answer. Use the Carbolic lotion 
the same as operating upon colts, or pigs; have the knife sharp. 
Before operating wash off the scrotum with the Carbolic lotion. 
To operate standing, place animal with his right side against 
a partition, and tie his head short, so he cannot push forward; 
have an assistant stand against his left flank and hold him against 
the partition; the operator, with the knife in his right hand, 
stands with his left side against the left hip of the animal, facing 
to the rear; reach in between the legs from the rear with the left 
hand and grasp around the scrotum, just above the testicles, 
crowding the testicles to the very bottom of the sacs; make the 
cut in the center of the back side of each sac, commencing well 
towards the top of the testicle and carrying it down to the very 
bottom, so as to be sure of good drainage; try and make the cut 
onto the testicle with one stroke of the knife. When the testicle 
is cut onto, the pressure produced by the hand clasping the 
scrotum above will cause it to pop out of the cut; cut down onto 
both testicles before letting go of the scrotum. After the testicles 
pop out, take hold of one and draw it out a little and it will 
be seen to be attached at its front surface by a thin attach- 
ment to the front of the scrotum. Cut this attachment quite 
close to the testicle, and then it can be drawn down, being held 
simply by the spermatic cord; if a young calf, draw the cord 
down five or six inches, and cut it off; a dull pair of shears is a 
good thing to cut it off with, or it can be cut, or scraped, off 
with the knife; if scraped, or cut, with the dull shears, which 
mash close, there is less apt to be bleeding. If a larger animal, 
and danger of bleeding, draw the cord down and tie a string 



458 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

around it, about three inches from the testicle, and then cut the 
cord off about an inch below the string; a catgut string is best; 
if silk is used, leave the ends long enough to hang from the cut, 
so that they will be pulled out later when they slough. Have 
the string lying in the Carbolic solution for a few minutes before 
using it. After both testicles are removed, dash a little of the 
Carbolic lotion into each wound. Place the animal in a clean 
stall. The day following the operation, wet the fingers in the 
Carbolic lotion and open the cuts. If there is undue swelling or 
bleeding after the operation, treat as is recommended for same 
condition under Castration, Horse Department. The best 
time to castrate calves is when they are about a month old; the 
pain is much less when they are small and there is less tendency 
to bleeding. 

If there is a scrotal hernia, castrate by the covered operation, 
the same as with colts. 

If the animal is cast, make the cuts in the sides of the scrotum; 
it is handier than to make them on the back side; otherwise the 
operation is the same as when performed with the animal standing. 

"RIGS " OR RIDGLING BULLS.— These are animals in 
which the testicles, one or both, have never come down into the 
scrotum. They cannot be castrated like horses, and after attain- 
ing some age, become nuisances. 

When castrating a calf and only one or neither testicle is 
down, fatten and get rid of it, for they rarely come down later. 
It will save much trouble to get rid of such when young. 

SWELLING OF THE POINT OF THE SHEATH 
IN STEERS— STONE IN THE SHEATH.— 

Causes. — From grazing in pastures where limestone abounds, 
or from drinking water impregnated with limestone, by which it 
is taken into the system, and this, together with the fact that the 
steer, in making water, does not protrude the penis, but lets it 
dribble out of the sheath; causes the lime in the urine to collect 
and form a concretion, or ball, which soon gets large and sets up 
irritation and swellino:. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 459 

Symptoms. — The end of the sheath is enlarged, and it may 
obstruct the flow of urine, when animal will show uneasiness, 
pain, etc., as in "Suppression of Urine." An examination 
reveals the presence in the sheath of the limy deposit. 

Treatment. — 

If the animal is quiet, let him stand, and have him held by 
the horns and nose, while operator with oiled fingers passes one 
of them up into the sheath, and by manipulation and working 
the stone about, it can soon be removed, when the sheath should 
be oiled both inside and outside. In case animal will not stand 
to have this done, he can be cast and secured as in "Castration," 
or strap his hind legs together, putting the strap around above 
the hocks, crossing it between the legs like a figure 8, which 
prevents its slipping down. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE 



INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES — SIMPLE 
OPHTHALMIA. — This is an inflammation of the mucous 
membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eyeball. In severe 
cases the deeper coats of the eye may be involved. 

Causes. — It may result from a bruise of the eyelid; from 
chaff, hayseed, dust, gnats, or such matter in the eye; from 
exposure to cold; from irritating or poisonous vapors arising 
from filthiness of the stable. 

Symptoms. — A profuse flow of tears; closure of eyelids from 
intolerance of light, retraction of the eyeball, and protrusion of 
the haw; disinclination to move, and in milch cows diminution 
of milk. In parting the lid, the lining membrane is found injected 
with an excess of blood, giving it a red and swollen appearance; 
the white of the eye is bloodshot, and the cornea may be cloudy. 
If disease advances, inflammation of the cornea may ensue. 



46o THK PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Carefully examine the eye for the presence of chafE, dust, 
cinder, and the like, and remove same when found. Do this by 
flushing the eye with warm water, by means of a syringe, or, if 
substance adheres to eyeball or lid, it may be scooped out by the 
handle of a teaspoon or some other blunt instrument. If it 
removes with difficulty, drop a few drops of the Cocaine solution 
into the eye (see Operations, Horse Department). To relieve 
congestion and irritation, use a wash composed of: 

Nitrate of Silver 3 grains. 

Morphine i grain. 

Water i ounce. 

Keep in the dark. 

Mix, and put a few drops of this in the eye 
with a medicine dropper, a small, pointed glass 
tube with rubber bulb, three or four times a 
day. 

Put animal in a cool, darkened stable, and fasten a woolen cloth, 
folded several times, ovtr the eye, or eyes if both are affected. 
Keep wet with cold water, re- wetting every half hour dtuing the 
day, but remove it at night. If there is much fever and consti- 
tutional disturbance, give 1% pounds Epsom Salts dissolved in i 
quart of water. Also give a tablespoonful of Saltpeter three 
times a day, and feed a laxative diet. 

SPECIFIC OPHTHALMIA — CATARRHAL CON- 
JUNCTIVITIS. — This form of inflammation of the membrane 
of the eye generally appears in epidemic form and affects quite a 
number of the herd. 

Causes. — It is usually attributed to some irritant material car- 
ried in the air or coming from the soil, but is probably due to 
bacteria. It is most prevalent on low grounds and is seldom seen 
in winter months. It affects old and young alike, but one attack 
is believed to make the animal immune. 

Symptoms. —This disease is characterized chiefly by a mucous, 
matter-like discharge from the eyes, an intense degree of inflam- 
mation of the mucous membrane, accompanied by swelling of the 
eyelids and an early darkening of the cornea. The flow of tears 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 461 

is mixed with pus which gathers in large masses on the cheek. 
The eyes are kept closed. When the cornea is affected, the animal 
is frequently blind for a time, and sometimes other diseases of the 
eye follow. 

Treatment. — 

Animal should be placed in a cool, dark stable, supplied with 
soft, succulent food and plenty of fresh water to drink. Give i 
to 1 5^ pounds Epsom Salts in 2 to 3 pints of water. Also give a 
tablespoonful of Saltpeter, three times a day, and in bad cases give 
with the Saltpeter, i drachm Fluid Extract of Belladonna and 15 
drops Fluid Extract of Aconite. Foment the eye with the cold 
water, as in the previous disorder, and also use the same solution 
in the eye. A powder composed of equal parts of finely pulverized 
Boracic Acid and Calomel is good to dust into the eye — blow a 
little into the eye twice a day from a quill or small, paper cylinder. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE CORNEA — CORNEI- 
TIS. — This is an inflammation of the strong membrane, which 
forms the front part of the eyeball. The sclerotic, or white coat 
bordering on the cornea, becomes involved to some extent. 

Causes. — As the cornea is the most prominent part of the 
ball of the eye, it is subject to injury in a variety of ways, such 
as scratches, pricks, contusions, lacerations and the like. It may 
occur from the extension of inflammation from ophthalmia, or 
from some internal inflammation, or may occasionally occur with- 
out any known cause. 

Symptoms. — There is a severe inflammation of the part, 
causing a cloudiness of the cornea. The swelling on front part 
of eyeball may be in bladder-like points, or it may begin at outer 
border, abruptly thickening, and diminish to center. If whole 
cornea is affected, it has a gray or grayish-white appearance. 
The tears do not flow as freely, neither is the suffering so great 
as in ophthalmia. One or both eyes may be affected. In favor- 
able cases conditions should begin to improve in a week. In 
unfavorable cases the sight is lost and the opacity remains. 

In what is called suppurative corneitis — where there is a 
formation of matter — the symptoms are somewhat different, but 



462 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



it may follow the above form. More commonly it develops 
rapidly bj^ a raised swelling on or near the center of the cornea, 
that soon becomes yellow, while the edge of the swelling fades 
into an opaque (clouded) ring. Disease is seldom noticed until 
matter formation has occurred. When it is the result of diffuse 
corneitis, ulceration and escape of confined pus is inevitable; 
otherwise matter may be absorbed. When deep membranes are 
involved, the sight of the eye may be permanently lost. It wall 
sometimes attack a number of animals, being more or less con- 
tagious. 

Treatment. — 

Place the animal in a darkened stable, give green or sloppy 
food, and 6 ounces of Epsom Salts, dissolved in a quart of water 
once a day. Also give tbe following: 

Fluid Extract of Aconite il4. drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, three or four times a 
day. 

As an application to the eye use the following : 

Nitrate of Silver 3 grains. 

Sulphate of Morphia i grain. 

Soft water i ounce. 

Keep in the dark. Drop 15 to 20 drops into 
the eyes, three times & day, with a medicine 
dropper. 

If ulceration occurs, use Nitrate of Silver, 5 grains, to an 
ounce of water. Apply directly to the ulcers with a camel's hair 
brush. (See "Ulcers of the Cornea)." 

To remove opacity after inflammation has subsided, continue 
the Nitrate of Silver solution. 

ULCER OF THE CORNEA.— 

Causes. — In consequence of the bursting of a small abscess in 
the delicate membrane over the cornea ; or, in the cornea itself, 



DISEASES OF CATTlvE 463 

after violent corneitis, or specific ophthalmia ; or ulcer may be 
caused by bruises, scratches, and other direct injury to the 
cornea. 

Symptmis. — At first the ulcer is a pale, gray color, with 
edges high and irregular, and discharges, instead of pus, an 
acrid, watery substance, and has a tendency to spread super- 
ficially and also to extend deeper. If it spreads superficially, the 
transparency of the cornea is lost ; if it goes deeply, and reaches 
the anterior chamber of the eye, the aqueous humor escapes and 
the eye is destroyed. 

Treatment. — 

Give internal treatment as with " Inflammation of Cornea," 
if it has not already been used, in which case continue it. 
Endeavor, as soon as the ulcer appears, to prevent its growth. 
Convert corroding process into a healthy one. For this purpose 
nothing is better than a strong solution of Nitrate of Silver. Drop 
a few drops of the Cocaine solution into the eye (see "Opera- 
tions," Horse Department). The animal's head is then firmly 
secured, and an assistant should part eyelids: then all parts of 
the ulcer are touched, using a camel's hair brush, with a solution 
of 10 grains of Nitrate of Silver to an ounce of water. Repeat 
treatment once a day until ulcer looks healthy. When healthy 
action succeeds, ulcer assumes a delicate fleshy tint, and former 
redness around ulcer gradually disappears. In abrasions where 
there are no holes or cavities made, caustic treatment is not 
needed; simply treat as for "Inflammation of the Cornea." 
Excessive ulceration may cause fungus growth upon the cornea, 
which appears to be nourished by loops of blood vessels in the 
mucous membrane covering same. This growth must be cut 
away and wound cauterized with Nitrate of Silver, or eye will be 
destroyed . 

STAPHYLOMA.— This is a disease of the eyeball in which 
the cornea loses its transparenc}^, rises above the level of the eye, 
and even projects beyond the eyelids, in the form of an elongated 
whitish, or pearl-colored tumor, which may be either smooth or 
uneven. 



464 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Catises. — Inflammation is the only known cause, although it 
may not occur immediately. It often follows catarrhal ophthalmia 
and corneitis. 

Treatment. — 

In a few cases restoration of sight may be affected by punct- 
uring the projecting tumor and treating it afterward with Nitrate 
of Silver, as given in "Ulceration of the Cornea." Cases have 
been known in which spontaneous rupture of the tumor occurred 
and healing resulted without treatment. 

CATARACT OF THE EYE.— This is a disease in 
which the crystalline lens becomes opaque and loses its trans- 
parency; power of refraction is lost and animal is blind. 

Causes. — Generally it is the result of deep inflammation of 
the eye, but sometimes seems to be due to an improper nourish- 
ment of the lens. 

Symptoms. — It is known by the whiteness of the lens, as seen 
through the pupil ; the cornea is clear and healthy. Sight is 
totally lost when the cataract is fully formed. Formation is 
usually slow. 

Treatment. — 

There is no treatment with the lower animals. The lens 
could be removed the same as it is in the human, but it would 
not benefit, as animals cannot wear glasses, as is necessary in 
order that its removal may benefit. 

AMAUROSIS. — This is blindness from paralysis of the 
optic nerve, and retina. The retina is the expansion of the 
optic nerve over the back of the chamber of the eye. 

Causes. — Concussion from a blow on forehead, fracture of 
bone over eye causing downward pressure, rheumatic inflamma- 
tion of optic nerves, or from extension of deep inflammation 
involving retina. It sometimes occurs from excessive loss of 
blood, or of great debility. 

Symptoms. — This disease is seldom noticed until animal 
showS; by gait and actions, that it is blind. Generally both eyes 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 465 

are affected. The eyeball remains clear, and the -pupil perma- 
nently dilated. No response to light is manifested. 

Treatment. — 

If due to debility, or loss of blood, give tonics as for 
" Chronic Indigestion," but the treatment will probably be of no 
value. 

INJURIES TO THE EYELIDS.— This accident is not 
uncommon where cattle are fenced in by barbed wire; an animal 
may be caught under the eyelid by the horn of another; may 
occur in the stable from projecting splinters of wood or from 
nails. 

Treatment. — 

If there is much laceration, the edges of the wound should 
be brought together closely and correctly, and held, either by 
sutures of silk or even linen thread (see ' ' Sutures ' ' in Horse 
Department) . Use the Cocaine solution (see Operations, page 
347). Keep the parts dressed with the Carbolic Acid lotion, and 
if there is much swelling, or the inflammation extends to eye, 
use the cold fomentations, as for " Inflammation of the Eye." 

INVERSION AND EVERSION OF THE EYE- 
LIDS. — See Horse Department. 

FOREIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE EYE.— Some- 
times chaff, barley-beards, or splinters of wood, hedge-thorns, 
pieces of cornstalk, or leaves, stems of hay or straw, twigs, or 
weeds may penetrate the eye, break off, and remain, causing 
inflammation, blindness, abscesses, and the like. The eyeball 
sometimes is penetrated, but in most cases substances get between 
the eye and lids. 

Symptoms. — Vary according to extent of injury, but in 
ordinary cases, animal will show evident suffering, or annoyance, 
by keeping eye closed, and, perhaps, by turning head slightly 
awry, and tears will run down over the cheek. 



466 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Catch the animal and examine the eye and remove ofiFending 
substance. Drop 15 to 20 drops of the Cocaine solution into the 
eye and the examination and removal of the object is quite easy 
(see Operations, page 347). When substance is removed, apply 
treatment as case seems to require; cold fomentations and the 
lotion as recommended for ' ' Inflammation of the Eye ' ' will 
generally bring about recovery. If the eyeball is punctured 
nothing can be done other than the fomentations and lotions. 
This generally means loss of the eye, but a very small puncture 
might not destroy the organ. 

CANCER IN THE EYE— FUNGUS HAEMATODES. 

— This is the same as a cancerous growth that may develop 
on any part of the body; it is not common, and yet may appear 
in the eye. 

Cajises. — Unknown 

Syjnptonis. — It frequently commences in the eyeball as a 
small, red mass, eventually bursts through, and pushes its way 
outside the orbit of the eye, as a large, spongy, fungus-like 
excrescence that bleeds upon the slightest injury, in fact upon 
the mere touch. 

Treatment. — 

When the exact nature of the case is known, the eye should 
be taken out. For removing the eye, the animal should be given 
an anaesthetic (see Operations, page 347). The after-treatment 
would be the same as for "Dislocation of the Eyeball." The 
operation should be left to the veterinarian. As these growths 
often return, unless the animal is valuable as a breeder, it best be 
fitted for the butcher. 

DISLOCATION OF THE EYEBALL.— The eyeball 
may be torn out by the horns of another animal in a fight, or it 
may be crowded out with the blunt end of a club, cane, or probe, 
in the hands of some brutal person. 

Treatment. — 

When the optic nerve is not lacerated and the retractor 
muscles at the back of the eye are intact, an attempt to replace 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 467 

the eye is advisable. This, however, must take place immedi- 
ately after injury and before swelling takes place. Divide the 
outer corner of the eyelid to enlarge the orifice, then by pressure, 
with the fingers of both hands jDlaced upon the sides of the eye, 
the ball may be put back in its place. Apply a firm compress 
over the injured eye and keep it constantly wet with cold water, 
containing i drachm of Sugar of Lead to each quart of water. 
If the attempt to replace is not a success, tie the artery at the 
back of the eye with strong cord, and then cut off the whole 
mass as deep within the orbit as possible. The cavity should be 
packed daily with fresh absorbent cotton, after washing it out 
with a 3 per cent, solution of Carbolic Acid. 

INFLAMMATION AND ENLARGEMENT OF 
THE HAW. — The haw or membrana nictitans, that small 
structure at the inner angle of the eye, is subject to inflammation 
and swelling from the extension of conjunctivitis or ophthalmia, 
or direct injury by foreign substances. It presents a red, swollen 
appearance, accompanied by considerable pain and a profuse flow 
of tears. 

Treatment.— 

The application of cold fomentations and the lotions as 
used in "Ophthalmia" will generally reduce the swelling and 
restore it to its normal function. 

There is, however, a tendency for an inflammation of this 
membrane to take on a chronic character, which may result in a 
permanent enlargement, resembling a tumor. When it attains 
sufficient size to protude itself permanently over the eye, or pro- 
ject between the lids so as to obstruct the sight, its removal may 
become necessary. A threaded needle is passed through the 
body of the enlarged mass by which the membrane is drawn out 
as far as possible, then with a blunt pair of scissors, it may be 
cut awa}^ from its attachments. Use the Cocaine solution to 
destroj' the pain, by dropping 15 to 20 drops of it into the eye 
ten or fifteen minutes before operating (see Operations, page 
347). 



468 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



DISeASES OF THE EAR 



INFLAMMATION OF THE INTERNAL EAR — 
OTITIS. — Inflammation of the deep part of the ear is often 
difficult to recognize in cattle. 

Causes. — May be caused by the disease of the bone of that 
region, from blows inflicted by drivers, or from injury by other 
cattle. Occasionally it may arise from extension in "lump jaw," 
or be the result of tuberculous affection. 

Symptoms. — Animal will hold its head to one side, or shake 
it, while the ear is held immovable. The movement of the jaws 
in eating gives evident pain; the base of the ear may be feverish 
and swollen, and very sensitive to the touch. If the inflamma- 
tion has advanced to a suppurative stage, matter will flow from 
the ear, and the discharge will generally be offensive in odor. 

Treatment. — 

At first apply hot fomentations to reduce pain and fever, and 
follow with a sharp blister applied below the ear. To relieve pain 
and soften secretions, the following may be injected into the ear: 

Laudanum i part. 

Olive Oil lo parts. 

If there is a discharge from the ear, it should be thoroughly 
washed out by injections of warm soapsuds until clean, then 
inject a little of the following mixture twice a day: 

Sulphate of Morphia 20 grains. 

Water i pint. 

Glycerine 4 ounces. 

Injections of a solution of Acetate of Lead, \i ounce; water, 
I pint, may help in some cases. 

ABSCESS OF THE EAR.— Abscesses sometimes form 
about the base of the ear, either inside or outside, caused by con- 
tusions. Cysts or pouches, containing a watery fluid, are found 
occasionally between the cartilage and the skin on the base of the 
ear, which may be due to similar cause. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 469 

Treatment. — 

Make a free incision with the knife into the most prominent 
part of the abscess or cyst, then wash out the sac with the Car- 
bolic Acid lotion, using a syringe for the purpose. If the abscess 
recurs, open it again, wash it out, and inject a little Tincture of 
Iodine. 

FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EAR.— Bugs have been 
known to gain access to the ear of an animal. Foreign bodies of 
various sorts may become lodged in the ear. 

Symptoms. — A continuous uneasiness or frequent shaking of 
of the head; occasionally manifestations of severe pain. Animal 
may rub head and ear against trees and other objects, in endeavor 
to get rid of offending body. 

Treatment. — 

When suspected, catch the animal and examine the ear, and 
when object is found, 'remove the same with forceps, a hair pin, 
or with a piece of wire bent at one end. If inflammation exists 
and ear is swollen, so substance is hidden from sight, insert a 
probe to feel for object, and when found remove, even if neces- 
sary to split the ear at the base to do so. Afterward treat the ear 
with hot water fomentations, and injections of mild astringents, 
as Acetate of Lead, V^ ounce; water, i quart. 

FROSTBITE— GELATIO.— This is not an uncommon 
occurrence among young cattle which are poorly fed and exposed 
outdoors to storms and extremes of cold; a condition, however, 
which ought never to occur. 

Sympto7ns. — This affection naturally presents every degree 
of severity from the mere chilling of the tip of the ear to positive 
freezing and death of a portion. In a day or two the ear will 
become swollen and painful; the dead part will remain cold and 
begin to shrivel; a line of separation forms between the inflamed 
and dead, or dying, portion; and finally the dead piece drops off, 
leaving a raw surface. When only slightly chilled, there will be 
a peeling off of the superficial skin, accompanied by some pain 
and itching. 



470 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

A good liniment for frozen ears is : 

Turpentine i ounce. 

Ammonia i ounce. 

Chloroform i " 

Olive Oil 6 ounces. 

Mix and rub the ears several times daily. 

It will relieve pain, and stimulate circulation, thus favoring 
a recovery of the injured structures. If a portion of the ear 
sloughs, treat the resultant wound as an ordinary wound. 

TORN OR LACERATED EARS.— Dogs are the most 
frequent cause of lacerated ears, generally leaving a torn, ragged 
edged and bruised cartilage. 

Treatment. — 

If the wound is extensive it will be necessary to trim off 
the ragged edges; then fasten the edges together with stitches of 
cat-gut, silk, or strong, thick, linen thread, taking a deep hold. 
Secure the animal so it cannot rub the part, and dress daily with 
the Carbolic Acid lotion. 

DISEASE OF THE CARTILAGE OF THE EAR.— 

Sometimes the cartilages of the ear become affected, usually from 
a deep bruise ; pus forms, which burrows under the skin, and 
may find outlet at some point more or less distant from seat of 
trouble. When cartilage has been extensively injured, pieces of 
it become dead and dissolve, and are carried away in the pus, or 
it may lead to sloughing and the formation of many running 
sores. In this affection there is seldom much swelling or great 
pain. Discharge is usually offensive and often blood-streaked. 
Whenever there is long-continued discharge from one or more 
openings in the ear, this disease may be suspected. 

Treatment. — 

The sinus formed by the passage of matter should be 
probed and searched to the bottom for the presence of foreign 
substance or evidences of decaying cartilage. When probe 
touches decaying cartilage it will feel like a piece of dry leather 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 471 

or partially softened wood. A counter-opening must then be 
made at this place and all diseased cartilage cut away with a 
knife. After this keep wound open for the pus to discharge, 
and inject into it once or twice a day, until the wound is healed, 
the following solution : 

Acetate of Lead i ounce. 

Sulphate of Zinc yi ounce. 

Carbolic Acid.. yi ounce. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. 



FRACTURED BONES; WOUNDS; SPRAINS 
OF JOINTS AND TENDONS 



FRACTURED BONES.— A fracture is a break in a bone. 
It may occur in a variety of ways; the kick of a horse, getting 
caught in the fence while jumping, falling, being chased by dogs, 
by being hit by anything hard enough to cause a fracture. As a 
rule, fractures are more easily repaired in cattle than in horses, 
owing to their being more quiet. Fractures are classed as trans- 
verse, oblique, "green-stick," simple, compound and complex. 
In transverse fracture the bone is broken across; in oblique, 
slanting; in "green -stick," it is bent and split but not broken 
entirely off. In simple fracture, only the bone is broken without 
complications; in compound, the ends of the bones punch through 
the flesh and protrude; in complex, the bone is shattered into 
many small pieces. As a rule, when the fracture is so bad that 
the bone is shattered, or a piece of the bone protrudes through 
the skin, it is best to slaughter the animal. If the condition of 
the animal is otherwise healthy, if slaughtered at once, the meat 
is fit for food, and the loss is not so great. When the care and 
expense of treatment is considered, this is probably the best dis- 
position of these cases, except, perhaps, where the animal i^ 
valuable for breeding purposes. 



472 THE PRACTI CAL STOCK DOCTOR 

FRACTURE OF THE LOWER JAW.— This is a 
fracture that generally occurs from a kick or a blow of some 
kind, and is first noticed by the animal not being able to eat, the 
mouth seeming crooked, and by the bloody discharges from the 
mouth. 

Treatment.— 

If any other than a simple, transverse fractm-e of one side only, 
the animal may as well be destroyed; if simple, put the ends of the 
bone together, and hold them there if possible, by passing copper 
wire around the teeth; in order to do this it may be necessary to 
cut through the cheek, opposite the fracture. Feed on soft and 
sloppy food until recovery takes place. Flush out the mouth 
freely after each feeding to remove any particles of food which 
might interfere with the uniting of the bones. Later, the wire can 
be removed through the mouth, or the cheek again opened 

FRACTURE OF THE BONES OF THE NECK 
AND BACK. — If the fracture should be through the body of 
the bone, there is likely to be pressure on, or laceration of the 
spinal cord, causing paralysis to parts back of the injury. Frac- 
ture of the spines of the vertebrae occur, without interfering 
with the canal containing the spinal cord. Such accidents may 
pass unnoticed, for though animal may suffer pain, it is not 
likely to be shown in a way to attract attention, and the deep 
muscular covering hides the injury. When a fracture occurs in 
the upper part of neck, the muscles of breathing are paralyzed, 
and death by suffocation soon follows. The more common seat 
of fracture is in the loins, and when a fracture of the body of the 
vertebrae occurs here, paralysis of the hind legs and quarters 
results. Diagnosis of such an accident is more difficult than in 
the case of other fractures. The parts can not be moved one 
upon another, so that crepitation (grinding) is not noticable. 
The heavy coating of muscles conceals changes that might other- 
wise attract attention. About the only symptom is paralysis of 
nerves of motion and sensation, back of the seat of the injury, 
which careful examination may reveal. If the result of a blow, 
there is apt to be abrasion of the skin. If paralysis is present, and 
the irregularity of the spinal column is so marked as to leave no 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 473 

room for doubt, the only thing to do is to destroy the animal. If, 
on the other and, the paralysis is incomplete, with no evidence of 
irregularity in spinal colum, or other evidence of fracture, put the 
animal in a well-bedded box stall, and allow a few days to pass 
before the case is abandoned. 

The symptoms last described might result from a strain of 
the muscles of the loins, in which case an improvement will soon 
be noticed. In which case treat as for strains. 

FRACTURE OF THE BONES OF THE HIP- 
HIPPED. — This accident is likely to occur as the result of 
crowding when running through a narrow door, falling violently 
on the point of the hip, or from a blow directed downward and 
forward against it. The fracture is not dangerous, but it dis- 
figures the animal. The animal is lame at first, hui this symptom 
will disappear. 

Treatment. — 

If sore after being "knocked down," bathe twice a day in 
hot water, and apply the White I^otion (see page 263) until the 
soreness is out. If the bones heal all right there is nothing more 
to be done. Sometimes the bones do not unite, and it will soon 
begin to fester around the broken piece and an abscess will form. 
When the abscess is formed, open and remove the piece of bone, 
and treat as under "Abscesses." Fracture of the under part of 
the hip bones, the floor of the pelvis, generally occur from the 
animal slipping on the ice with legs spread apart. As soon as it 
gets up, it walks off stiflfly and the legs are kept out apart while 
either walking or standing. The treatment for this is to keep 
animal very quiet, by tying it in a stall until the bones unite — 
from four to five weeks. 

FRACTURE OF THE RIBS.— This is always the result 
of a kick or a blow of some kind. The ribs farthest back are the 
most liable to injury. 

Symptoms. — Pain in moving, slight swelling over seat of 
injury, and difficult breathing are evident sj-mptoms. If the 
fracture be complete the grinding of the bones may be noticed 
by placing the hand flat over the injury, noting carefully the 



474 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

motion as chest contracts and expands in breathing. This 
symptom is more noticeable when animal coughs. In slight 
cases the animal can get up and down, but in severe cases may 
remain lying. 

Treatment. — 

Unless the point of the broken bone penetrates the chest 
cavity, no treatment is required other than quiet, good care and 
food. For a few days the animal should be restricted in the 
amount of food and water, the stomach being kept as nearly 
empty as possible. Sloppy food should be given, to encourage 
as much as possible the free action of the diaphragm in breath- 
ing. If breathing is labored and attended with much pain, 
motion may be limited by applying a wide bandage firmly around 
the chest. If the animal remains down, turn it over from side 
to side three times a day. If point of rib penetrates the lung 
and sets up inflammation, there is little chance of recovery. 

FRACTURE OF THE SHOULDER BLADE OR 
SHOULDER BONE.— Fracture of these bones is indicated by 
the extreme lameness it produces, and on moving the leg the 
grating of the bones may be heard. In a case of this kind it is 
best to destroy the animal, unless a very simple fracture and the 
animal is a young one, in which case keep it very quiet and give 
good care ; time will do the rest. The less the fracture is worked 
over, the better. 

FRACTURE OF THE BONES BELOW THE 
KNEE AND HOCK.— 

Symptoms. — There will be crookedness of the leg, lameness 
and extreme pain, and when leg is moved the grating of the 
bones on one another will be heard. 

Treatment. — 

Put the animal in a quiet, roomy, well-bedded place, set the 
leg in shape, and have it held while bandaging it with a starched 
bandage, which is a long strip of cloth dipped in starch used 
for starching clothes. When drawing strip from the starch, draw 
it between the fingers to get off as much as possible, then wrap 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 475 

it moderately tight around the leg, using plenty of bandage, and 
have leg and bandage held in one position for an hour or more 
for bandage to harden. Thin wooden splints, or thick leather 
ones, can be used in connection with the starch bandage. After 
this, the bandage will hold leg in shape. Leave it on four or 
five weeks until the bones heal. Keep animal quiet until the 
bones are well knit together. If leg should swell with the band- 
age, take it off and put on a looser one. The Plaster Paris 
bandage may be used in place of the starch (see Horse 
Department) . 

Fractures above the knee are sometimes treated by this 
method but it is not nearly so successful. Cattle cannot be put 
in a sling as can horses. They are less nervous and will keep 
quieter than the horse, however, and treatment is fairly successful 
if the fracture is a simple one. 

FRACTURE OF THE BONES ABOVE AND 
BELOW THE STIFLE JOINT.— 

Symptoms. — Animal may not be able to stand, but if so, the 
leg will be hanging loose. By moving the leg one can hear the 
broken bones grate upon each other. 

Treatment. — 

In severe cases it is best to destroy the animal; if fat, kill it 
for beef. When above the stifle, the only thing that can well be 
done is to keep the animal quiet, and leave lying down or stand- 
ing, as it prefers. If below the stifle, down quite close to the hock, 
the bone can be set the same as when below the hock. 

STIFLE OUT IN CATTLE. — For this disease the 
reader is referred to article in the Horse Department, the 
causes, symptoms, and treatment being the same. 

SPAVIN IN CATTLE.— This is generally seen in work- 
ing oxen, or cows. There is lameness and enlargement on the 
inner side of the lower part of the hock joint, similar to spavin 
in horses. 

Treatment. — 

Blister the same as recommended for ' 'Spavin' ' in the horse. 



476 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

SPRAINS. — A sprain is an injury to the joint, caused by- 
violence, which produces more or less injury to the ligaments 
binding the joints together and to the soft tissues of the joints. 
It is usually caused by twisting or bending the joint in an unusual 
direction. 

Symptoms. — If severe, lameness usually comes on at once; 
joint 'becomes inflamed, swollen, and tender, and is moved with 
much diflSculty. 

Treatment. — 

Animal should be kept quiet. If there is severe pain, apply 
fomentations of hot water to soothe and relax the parts. When 
there is severe and persistent inflammation, cold applications in 
the form of water or ice bags are beneficial. When inflammation 
subsides, if lameness and swelling persists, apply the White I^ini- 
ment (see Prescriptions, in the back of book), well rubbed 
in, three times a day. In some cases a light blister will hasten 
recovery. If sprain is in the joint of the legs, the legs may be 
bandaged each time after bathing; this will relieve pain and sup- 
port the joint. A part that has been severely sprained should 
have a long period of rest, as recovery from sprain is slow. For 
sprains of any particular region, see discussion for the same m 
Horse Department. 

WOUNDS OF ALL KINDS.— For treatment of wounds, 
see Horse Department (page 262). Causes and treatment are 
essentially the same. 

AIR UNDER THE SKIN CAUSED BY A WOUND. 

— Sometimes from a very small wound in cattle, air gets under 
the skin into the tissues which connect the skin to the body. 
The amount of air varies greatly; sometimes only a small amount 
works in just around the wound, while in other cases quite large 
amounts may be drawn in, enlarging the part very much. In 
order to make sure that it is air, rub the hand over the skin and 
it will make a peculiar crackling noise. Tapping on the skin 
with the fingers produces a drum-like sound. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 477 

Treatment. — 

Puncture the distended skin with a broad-bladed knife and 
let out the air. Treat the wound thus inflicted as an ordinary 
wound; or, if possible, work the air out through the opening 
through which it entered. Keep the animal quiet, to prevent its 
collecting again, as movements have much to do with the air 
working in. 

MAGGOTS IN NEGLECTED WOUNDS ; SCREW- 
WORMS IN WOUNDS.— No thrifty farmer, or stockman, 
should, if possible, allow such a condition to occur. But if from 
oversight, or other circumstance, such a case exists, the wound 
should be thoroughly cleansed with soapy water, and maggots 
removed; then apply a Carbolic Acid lotion — Carbolic Acid, 6 
drachms; water, i pint; or, Creolin, i ounce; water, i pint. If 
case is so bad that this does not effect a cure, give the wound a 
good application of Spirits of Turpentine, and follow as at first 
twice a day. 

In some sections screw- worms, the larva of the screw- fly, 
are a great pest, causing serious loss to live stock. They attack 
even the smallest wounds, as tick bites, wire cuts, and the like. 
For these, inject into the wound with a machinist's oil can, a 
strong Creolin solution, or Kerosene, or Turpentine. Oil of Tar 
is also good. Protect fresh wounds with Tar. 

WENS RESULTING FROM WOUNDS AND 
BLOWS. — These are hard, fibrous bunches, or tumors, fre- 
quently seen on the ribs, legs, and jaws. Are seen mostly on 
oxen. 

Treatment. — 

If noticed when first started, foment them with hot water 
several times a day; after a few days, the soreness being partly 
out, use Iodine Ointment (see Prescriptions, in back of book) 
once a day. If, however, they have become large and hard, 
nothing will be of any use short of cutting them off. This may 
be done without danger. (See "Tumors," in HoRSE Depart- 
ment). Afterward dress the wound with a 3 per cent, solution 
of Carbolic Acid. 



478 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN 



ECZEMA, ACUTE AND CHRONIC — Eczema is an 

inflammation of the skin, associated with small blisters. The 
disease may run an acute course and disappear, or it may become 
chronic. 

Causes. — Filthiness and lousiness, over-feeding, excessively 
damp or too warm quarters are conducive to this disease. Cattle 
fed on sour substances, distillery slops, house or garden garbage, 
may develop the affection. 

Symptoms. — There is swelling and heat of the skin; little 
blisters form, containing a watery fluid ; these break and dis- 
charge, dry up and heal, but while these are healing, a new crop 
breaks out in another place. From the beginning, animal will 
rub the affected parts, and disease is not always easy to recog- 
nize, as the rubbing will abrade the skin and leave surface raw — 
sometimes bleeding. In some cases the discharge will be profuse 
and disease will be spread over a large surface. At other times the 
formation of crust or rawness of skin will be a striking feature. 

Treatment. — 

If animal is fed too high, give an active purgative once a 
week — I to ij4 pounds of Epsom Salts — and give in the feed, 
twice a day, V-i ounce of Saltpeter. If the animal is in poor con- 
dition, give the tonics as recommended for "Chronic Indigestion," 
along with occasional doses of Epsom Salts. 

If animal is lousy, lice must be destroyed before eczema can 
be cured. Much washing is harmful, yet crusts and scales must 
be removed to make external applications effective. In the blister 
stage, when skin is hot and outer part peeling off, exposing raw 
surface, apply the following solution: 

Boracic Acid ^ ounce. 

Water 8 ounces. 

Or: 

Acetate of Lead Yz. ounce. 

Water i pint. 




o g> 

H 

O 
2; 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 479 

This will often relieve the smarting or itching, and serve to 
stop exudation and dry the surface. Alternating with the fore- 
going can be used: 

Creolin i ounce. 

Water i quart. 

These may be used several times a day until a healthy scab 
is well established. Then use: 

Creolin i ounce. 

Sweet Oil i pint. 

Or the Benzoated Oxide of Zinc Ointment (see Prescrip- 
tions in back of book), giving affected surfaces a thorough 
application once a day. Remove cause and feed moderately 
on such as green food, bran mashes, ground oats, clean hay, 
and plenty of salt. 

In chronic cases the treatment will need be prolonged and 
the internal treatment given especial emphasis, along with appli- 
cations to the diseased parts of some softening ointment, as the 
one mentioned above. 

ERYSIPELAS.— This is a diffuse inflammation of the 
skin, sometimes spreading to the deeper tissues and causing 
much pain and irritative fever. It may be transmitted to other 
animals or to man, by direct inoculation through a wound, or by 
infected instruments, but it is not contagious in the true sense of 
the term. 

Cause. — The cause is due to a certain class of germs that 
gain entrance through a wound, though this wound may be so 
minute as to escape notice. 

Symptoms. — The skin is hot, tender and swollen, and if 
normally white, turns intensely red. Color does not disappear 
under pressure. The inflammation and swelling affect the deeper 
tissues, which have a "doughy" feeling and "pit" under press- 
ure ; there is a well-defined line between the healthy and diseased 
parts. In severe cases there is a tendency toward the formation 
of a brownish, bad-smelling pus under the skin, and extensive 
sloughing of the diseased tissues. 



48o THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

If there is fever and the animal is fat, give a physic of i to 
1 /^ pounds of Epsom Salts, and also use the following : 

Fluid Extract Aconite i^ drachms. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i% ounces. 

Fluid Extract Colchicum Seed i ounce. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, three times a day. 

But, if, on the other hand, the animal is run down, withhold the 
Salts and give the following : 

Tincture of Iron 6 drachms. 

Quinine i ounce. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose : 2 ounces, in ^ pint of water, three 
times a day. 

In connection with the constitutional treatment, the affected 
parts should be wet frequently with one of the following mix- 
tures, and covered with a cloth wet with the same : 

Chloride of Iron i ounce. 

Alcohol % pint. 

Water yi pint. 

Or: 

Sugar of Lead i ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Or: 

Hyposulphite of Soda 4 to 6 ounces. 

Water i pint. 

When pus forms, the cavity should be opened and washed 
out twice daily with the following solution : 

Corrosive Sublimate 15 grains. 

Water i quart. 

Or, with a 5 per cent, solution of Carbolic Acid : 

Carbolic Acid 6 drachms. 

Water I pint. 

The serum treatment, as used with the human, could be tried 
in severe cases and where the value of the animal would warrant 
the expense. A veterinarian or a physician would be required 
to administer the serum. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 481 

LICE. — The lice of cattle are of two kinds — the blood- 
sucking lice and the biting lice. There are two varieties of the 
first, known as the long-nosed ox louse and the short-nosed ox 
louse. The short-nosed louse is the hardest to exterminate. It 
infests, almost exclusively, the neck and shoulders. The long- 
nosed louse is the most common. The biting louse, or bird 
louse, generally called "the little red louse," is very commonly 
found on cattle. 

Symptoms. — Lousiness generally shows itself in winter and 
toward spring, when animal is found to rub infected parts of the 
body, sometimes so much so as to abrade the skin. It becomes 
thin in flesh and run down. A close examination will reveal the 
true condition, and prompt treatment should be given. 

Treatment. — 

This does not vary in the different species, though the short- 
nosed fellow is the hardest to kill. The following is recom- 
mended by Dr. W. H. Low: Take Vt, pound of Cocculus Indicus 
for each animal, then add 2 quarts of vinegar, and set on the 
stove to simmer for one hour. Apply this by rubbing well into 
the hair over affected part. This will not affect the skin, nor 
sicken animal, and it remains effective long enough to kill all the 
young lice as they are hatched from the "nits." Kerosene 
Emulsion is very effective and is made as follows: 

Kerosene Oil 2 gallons. 

Common or Whale Oil Soap i pound. 

Soft water i gallon. 

Dissolve soap in water and add solution boiling hot to the 
Oil; then churn mixture from five to ten minutes, or until it is 
white and creamy-like and no free oil can be seen. Dilute Emul- 
sion in 9 parts of water and apply it to the animal with a sponge, 
or brush. Be careful that the animal does not catch cold. 

The various Coal Tar products are also very effectual, as: 

Creolin i ounce. 

Water i quart. 

Or: 

Zenoleum, or Kreso i part. 

Water 50 parts. 

Apply the same as the Kerosene Emulsion. 

3T 



482 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



With any of these a second application should be made in 
ten days or two weeks, as the applications do not destroy the eggs 
and these will have all hatched by that time, and none of the lice 
hatched will have matured and deposited eggs. 

The mangers and stalls where the animals are kept, should 
receive an application with the same preparations as used on the 
cattle. 

If the weather is such that the washes cannot be used, some 
benefit will be derived from liberally dusting Pyrethrum powder 
into the hair. 

If the animal is run down, give tonics as for "Chronic Indi- 
gestion." 

RING- WORM.— This is an affection of the skin due to a 
vegetable parasite, and is rather a common one in cattle. It is 
most frequent toward spring, after cattle have been confined in 
stable during the winter. It is sometimes called " barn- itch." 
It is not readily transmitted from one animal to another, but, 
under favorable conditions, it may be done. 

Symptoms. — The disease may be recognized by circular 
patches, varying from one-half to several inches in diameter, from 
which the hair is fallen. These patches usually occur about the 
head, neck, or back. The skin from which the hair has fallen is 
slightly thickened and scaly, and patches, when incrusted, are 
of a silvery-gray color. Very early in disease the hairs split, 
twist, and break off close to the skin. There is more or less 
itching. 

Trkatment. — 

Wash off crusts with soap and water, and apply Tincture of 
Iodine once a day for a few days to destroy the parasite. Tur- 
pentine, Kerosene, and a solution of i part of Carbolic Acid in 
20 parts of Sweet Oil are all very good. Acetic Acid, Sulphur 
Ointment, or Nitrate of Mercury Ointment are also recommended. 
Cleanse stable, and whitewash, to destroy spores scattered by the 
trusts. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 483 

MANGE, OR SCAB, IN CATTLE.— Cattle scab, or 
itch, is caused by a mite very closely resembling that of the 
sheep scab. It is most common on the great cattle ranges of the 
west and southwest, and is commonly known there as the ' 'cattle 
itch." This disease is not troublesome during the grazing 
season, but when cattle are on dry feed in winter, or when first 
turned to grass in the spring, the trouble exhibits itself, and may 
cause considerable loss. It is mostly confined to young cattle, 
and to those out of condition. 

Symptoms. — The first symptom is an intense itching, usually 
in the region of the neck and shoulders, and at root of tail; 
animals lick themselves, bite and rub, using even barbed-wire 
fences for scratching, and tearing skin till it bleeds. From these 
localities disease gradually extends aljng back, sides, and down 
the outside of legs. In early stages t'ne coat looks rough, and 
hair stands on end. The skin becomes scurfy, and a gummy 
exudation from it forms a crust in the hair sometimes a half 
inch in thickness. The hair then comes off, or is rubbed off, 
leaving patches of calloused, thickened and wrinkled skin. When 
the hair comes off, the mites leave, bald places heal, and hair 
starts again. Animals fall away rapidly in flesh, and have a 
dejected, debilitated look; appetite is poor. 

The disease spreads rapidly, especially so if the general con- 
dition of the stock is not good, and in from six to eight weeks 
after the appearance of complaint, the herd will generally be 
affected. Thrifty animals resist disease longer, and recover more 
quickly when attacked. Disease is spread by direct contact, 
either from one to another, or through rubbing places. It is 
easy to confound this disease with eczema, and assurance depends 
on the discovery of the parasite. It may be seen on the hair, 
and scales from the skin, by the aid of an ordinary magnifying 
glass, or by the unaided eye, as minute, white points moving 
about, when animal stands in the full glare of sunlight on a warm 
day. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as disease is discovered, remove all animals not 
affected, to new places not occupied by diseased stock. If this is 



484 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

not feasible, separate all animals and thoroughly disinfect all 
places where animals may have rubbed, by scrubbing with a solu- 
tion made by dissolving i part of Carbolic Acid in 20 parts of 
■water. Watch animals that appear healthy, and if any show 
signs of disease, separate from others at once. As an internal 
remedy, give Sulphur, in combination with salt, and place where 
animals can lick it at will. Mix in the proportion of: 

SulpKur I pound. 

Salt 8 pounds. 

If cattle are not accustomed to eating salt, limit quantity to 
a small handful at first, and increase amount gradually. The 
external treatment consists of application of remedies to destroy 
parasites and eggs without injuring the animal. If many cattle 
are affected, the most satisfactory means of treating is by a dip- 
ping vat or swimming tank, in which the submerging of the 
stock destroys the parasites. Efficient remedies for external 
application are some of the Coal Tar products, such as Zenoleum 
or Kreso, which are used in the proportion of i part of the pro- 
duct to 50 parts of water. A very cheap and effective dip is the 
Lime and Sulphur dip, as recommended by the Department of 
Agriculture: 

Flowers of Sulphur 21 pounds. 

Unslaked Lime i6|4f " 

Water 100 gallons. 

Slake the Lime with water enough to form a thick paste, 
sift in the Sulphur and stir well. Put this mixture in a kettle 
with 25 to 30 gallons of water and boil two hours, or until the 
Sulphur disappears; then put in a barrel, with bunghole some four 
inches from the bottom, and allow the chocolate-looking mass to 
settle; draw off the clear liquid, adding enough water to make 
100 gallons. All dips should be used warm — 100 to no degrees. 
Keep animals in the dip about two minutes, or until the scabs are 
thoroughly saturated. A second dipping in about two we^ks will 
kill any mites that may have hatched after the first dipping. If 
only a few animals are diseased, hand treatment may be resorted 
to, but it must be thoroughly done. The remedies may be 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 485 

applied with scrubbing brushes, cloths, or sponges. All scabs 
and crusts must be thoroughly saturated, and remedy should be 
applied warm, as in dipping. Warm, sunny days should be chosen 
for treatment. 

HORN FLY.— The horn fly— also called "Austrian fly" 
— is a small, black fly, about one-half the size of the common 
house fly, and of the same general shape. It was imported into 
America about 1887, and since then has spread all over the 
country. It causes considerable irritation and a consequent loss 
of milk. The name arises from the fact of their habit of collect- 
ing in numbers at the base of the horns to rest. They do not 
bother cattle when in this position, but by biting the skin of the 
back, sides, and flank. They appear with the first warm weather 
of spring and disappear with the first severe frost. 

Treatment. — 

Almost any greasy substance applied to the skin and horns 
will keep the flies away for several days, and must then be 
repeated. Common axle grease, Whale Oil, Carbolized Oil, or 
Tar may be used. A mixture of equal parts of Pine Tar and 
Kerosene Oil, and two parts of Fish Oil, or crude Cotton Seed 
Oil, is good; first "cut" the Tar with the Kerosene and then add 
the Fish Oil. The crude Kerosene is as good, or better, than the 
refined. Brush mixture over hair surface as often as is necessary. 
A wash of Creolin applied twice a week is also good. Make it 
by mixing and shaking together: 

Creolin 2 ounces. 

Water i gallon. 

BUFFALO GNAT.— This is a small fly, common in the 
lower Mississippi Valley, that proves a great scovu-ge to the cattle 
of that region. In color they are black, but are covered with 
grayish-brown, short, silken hairs. They are migratory, or are 
driven in swarms by the wind, and are found in localities remote 
from breeding places; in some instances as far north as Jackson 
County, 111., and Daviess County, Ind. They appear each year 
with warm weather of spring, and duration in infested region 



486 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

lasts, from a few days to five or six weeks. They are most lively 
in early morning, and when very numerous, cover cattle without 
regard to position. The bites of a few gnats will not affect an 
animal seriously, but when attacked by swarms, he weakens rapid- 
ly from loss of blood and shock, and may later die from exhaustion 
or blood-poisoning. When attacked, the animal "puts for the 
brush," or jumps into the water to get rid of them. The fatality 
is even greater among mules then cattle. 

Treatment. — 

Preventive treatment counts for much with the buffalo gnat. 
Smoke from fires built of wet wood, burning leather. Tar, rags, 
and the like, will keep them at a distance. As soon as gnats 
appear, build fire as above, making as much smoke as possible, 
drive cattle up to it, and they will stay while gnats are about. 
Stabling during the day and turning out late in the evening until 
early morning, is a reasonably safe measure to adopt. Cotton- 
seed Oil, mixed with Tar, Fish Oil, Kerosene, or Carbolic Acid, 
as for "Horn Fly," applied to cattle twice a day, will protect 
them to a great extent. When animal has been weakened by 
attack of gnats, give from l^ioi drachm of Carbonate of Ammo- 
nia, and 4 ounces of Whiskey, in ^ pint of water, every four hours 
and keep him in a dark, cool place. Occasional immersion in 
cold water has been beneficial. 

GRUB IN THE SKIN — WARBLES.— Little round 
lumps or tumors will often be found along the backs of cattle 
during late winter and spring. These are called warbles and are 
lairs of the larvae of the ox gad-fly. When cattle are attacked 
by this fly it is easily known by the stir and commotion made. 
The unfortunate object of attack runs bellowing to some distant 
part of field or nearest water. Other animals scatter out of fear. 
The eggs of this fly are laid in the region of the heel, and are 
taken by licking, into the mouth, where they hatch, and the larvae, 
after remaining some time in the gullet, finally work their way 
into the cellular tissue beneath the skin of the back. Here they 
remain until early spring, forming the lumps called " warbles." 
The loss from discomfort to cattle, and in consequence of "grub- 
by" hides, is great. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 487 

Treatment. — 

Whenever cattle have these tumors, every warble should be 
treated from January on, by applying Turpentine, or even some 
thick grease, or a mixture of the two, to the opening directly over 
the lump. This will kill most of the warbles. The few that 
remain should be squeezed or picked out to prevent the develop- 
ment of a fly. To squeeze out, enlarge the opening leading 
through the skin, to them, with a small, blunt stick. If this plan 
were generally carried out, the fly could be exterminated. The 
gad fly does not travel far, so that a person by this means could 
rid his cattle of the pest. 

SNAKE BITES. — There are several varieties of snakes in 
this country whose bite is poisonous, among the number being 
the rattlesnake, the cotton mouth, and a small snake of the 
south. On cattle, the bites are generally about the head, feet or 
limbs. Close inspection will generally reveal the marks where 
the fangs pierced the skin. When the poison has been freely 
injected into the wound, excessive pain is soon manifested, 
quickly followed by swelling; extreme prostration sets in and 
the animal may soon become partly unconscious; body gets cold, 
and pulse-beats faint; finally heart fails and death results. 
Usually, however, poison does not cause pain, but recovery from 
effects of it is slow. Abscesses and sloughs may form, requiring 
a long time to heal, or death from exhaustion may result. 

Treatment. — 

Give Whiskey in ^-pint doses every thirty minutes to an 
hour, until it arouses sinking vitality. Aqua Ammonia in i- 
ounce doses, diluted in 2 quarts of water, may be used instead of 
Whiskey. External treatment should consist in cauterization of 
wound by plunging a red-hot iron into the wound as deeply as 
the location of the wound will permit. Cut gashes in the skin 
over the swollen part, to drain the blood away and lessen the 
danger of sloughing. Afterwards keep parts well painted with 
Tincture of lonine. 

BITES AND STINGS OF INSECTS.— These may be 
inflicted by tarantulas, scorpions, wasps, bats, hornets, and the 



488 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

like. Occasionally an animal may be stung by wasp or bumble- 
bee, and, owing to condition of the blood, the injured skin will 
swell and form a painful enlargement. If stung by a swarm of 
bees, prostration and sickness may follow. 

Treatment. — 

Apply a lotion made by dissolving 2 drachms Sugar of Lead 
in a pint of water, which will usually relieve the pain and swel- 
ling. An ounce or two of Laudanum may be added if pain is 
severe. Lotions of Cooking Soda, or Ammonia, or of Carbolic 
Acid, will also be found good. The White Liniment (see Pre- 
scriptions, in the back of book) will also be found beneficial 
in drawing out the poison. If there is prostration, give i or 2- 
ounce doses of Alcohol in yi pint of water, repeating as occasion 
requires. 

BURNS AND SCALDS.— For burns, an excellent remedy 
for cattle and all domestic animals — man included — is what is 
called Carron Oil, being composed of Linseed Oil and Lime water 
in equal parts. Shake, and apply. Common white paint is also 
a good remedy. If not convenient to get this. Cooking Soda, 
Flour, or Starch may be spread on the wound dry, and covered 
with cotton batting and a light bandage, if possible. 

For scalds, the surface may be bathed with a solution of 
Baking Soda, or a weak solution of Sugar of Lead — i drachm 
to a pint of water — may be used. The dry treatment, or Lime 
water, as in burns, may also be used; or instead. Oil of Turpentine 
may be applied over the scalded skin. 

For either burns or scalds, a dressing may be used as follows.- 

Carbolic Acid Yz teaspoonful. 

Sweet Oil 4 ounces. 

Blisters should be opened to let fluid escape, but the thin 
cuticle raised by blister should be allowed to remain. 

WARTS AND SMALL GROWTHS ON THE SKIN. 

— Warts are tumors of the skin. Thej'^ may be found on any 
domestic animal, but are more common in horses and cattle than 
among other animals. The cause of warts is not clearly known, 
though an abnormal nutrition of the skin is the explanation gen- 
erally given. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 489 

Treatment. — 

In their early stages, warts can be destroyed by an applica- 
tion of pure Acetic Acid, applying it drop by drop until the wart 
is saturated and soft. In a week or ten days the wart will come 
off. Should it not come "by the roots," make another applica- 
tion. A good way, in case warts have a neck, is to tie a string 
firmly around the base of the wart, which will soon slough off. 
If there is no neck, cut off with a sharp knife and cauterize the 
wound with a stick of lyUnar Caustic or a hot iron. Small lumps 
and tumors in the skin are somewhat common to cattle, but are 
easy to get rid of. Have the cow held securely, then cut a hole 
in the skin over the lump, dissect it out and cut it off at the bot- 
tom. There is not much danger of bleeding so long as no large 
veins are cut, which can be seen in the skin. After removing, 
apply White Lotion twice a day. (See Prescriptions, in the 
back of book.) 

TUMORS. — Tumors are abnormal growths of tissue. There 
are many kinds, named usually according to the kind of tissue 
of which they are composed. Warts are tumors of the skin. 
Sore tumors that tend to spread and do not yield to treatment are 
known as malignant tumors. The cause of many tumors is not 
known. Fibrous tumors are sometimes caused by irritation, 
such as a repeated hitting of the part. Tumors may sometimes 
follow surgical operations, or wounds. 

Treatment. — 

The only satisfactory treatment for tumors is their removal. 
For doing this there are several methods employed. The best 
one for most tumors, and for some the only one, is to cut them 
out with the knife. Care should be taken to guard against 
hemorrhage, as the supply of blood to some tumors is large. 
(See "Tumors," Horse Department.) Another method that 
can be used to advantage when the growth has a small base or 
neck, is to tie a strong cord tightly around the neck, or wind a 
rubber band several times around it, thus shutting off the blood 
supply. In a few days the tumor will slough off and the result- 
ing sore can be treated as a simple wound. Still another way is 



490 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

to use caustics. Arsenic, or Corrosive Sublimate, are commonly 
used, both singly or combined. A pellet of the caustic about the 
size of a small pea, wrapped in tissue paper, or muslin, is pushed 
into a small incision made in the base of the tumor. If the 
tumor is large, two or three pellets are often used. In a few 
days the tumor will begin to separate, and will finally slough off. 
The difl&culty in using caustics is to confine their action to the 
diseased tissue. The least painful and most satisfactory way is 
to remove by dissecting, using the Cocaine solution as a local 
anaesthetic. (See Opi;rations, Horse Department). With 
small tumors, the repeated use of Iodine Ointment may remove 
them. (See Prescriptions, in the back of book.) 



DISEASES OF THE FEET 



FOUNDER— LAMINITIS.— This is an inflammation of 
the sensitive structures of the foot, or what is commonly called 
the "quick." Owing to the simplicity of the structure of the 
foot of the ox, as compared with that of the horse, the disease is 
rarely seen in an acute form, but a mild form, commonly called 
"soreness," is a more common occurrence. 

Causes. — Overfeeding, overheating, or being driven for long 
distances over rough, stony soil. In the cow it sometimes follows 
parturition. 

Symptoms. — Animal persists in lying down most of the time, 
but when standing, front feet are well out in front of her, hind 
feet drawn forward under her ; the feet are hot and sometimes 
swollen around the top of the hoof and sore to touch ; there is 
more or less fever, the pulse is accelerated, and breathing is quick- 
ened ; will drink greedily, but there is not much appetite. 
When forced to move, excessive tenderness of the feet is manifest 
by the short, stilty steps. The disease is most apt to affect the 
front feet, but may affect all four, When all four are affected, 
the front ones will not be put out forward to the same extent. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 49 1 

Treatment. — 

Keep animal as quiet as possible and foment the feet witli 
cold water, by tying blankets about them and keeping these wet 
with cold water, re-applying the water every half hour, or, have 
the animal stand in a shallow tank of water. Give animal a dose 
of Epsom Salts — i to i ^ pounds in a quart or two of water, and 
also give a tablespoonful of Saltpeter three times a day, and in 
bad cases give with this a teaspoonful of Fluid Extract of Bella- 
donna and ID drops of Fluid Extract of Aconite. If the animal 
can stand in a stream of running water having a soft bottom a 
few hours a day, this will take the place of the fomentations. 

Soreness of the Feet from any Cause may be treated 
the same as "Founder," and by keeping the animal quiet. If 
toes are too long, cut off with mallet and chisel. 

LOSS OF HOOF.— Cattle sometimes become fastened 
between planks, or otherwise, in such a way as to pull off one or 
both claws in the effort to extricate themselves; or the claws of 
one or more feet may be shed as the result of founder. 

Treatment. — 

Apply a thick coating of Pine Tar over the bleeding surface, 
then cover with a layer of oakum or absorbent cotton; apply 
another coat of Tar over this, and then bandage closely and 
firmly. This may remain without redressing till new wall is 
strong enough to bear weight of animal. If at any time pus 
should form under dressing, as increased pain, and an oozing, or 
a bad odor will indicate, remove bandage and redress all the 
unhealthy surfaces with White Lotion (see page 263), and a 
Carbolic Acid lotion, and then apply a light dressing of Tar and 
cotton batting, and bandage. Repeat every day as long as there 
is pus formation. If loss of hoof is due to suppurative laminitis, 
the raw surface must be thoroughly cleansed, and disinfected with 
the foregoing lotions. Then apply a moderately thick layer of 
cotton and apply the Tar, and bandage over this. After this, 
the solutions may be poured in at the top of the bandage daily. 
It may be necessary sometimes to remove whole dressing once a 



492 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

week, to give the parts a fresh cleaning, and then to re- apply it. 
In all cases, where it can be avoided, the first dressing should not 
be removed entirely, but holes may be made through it for the 
escape of the pus, and the application of the lotions. 

FOUL IN THE FOOT— FOOT ROT.— This is inflam- 
mation of the foot between the claws or toes, and in some cases 
the inflammation extends around the bulb of the heels and also 
around the coronet. 

Causes. — From overgrowth of the claws and inward pressure 
of the same, as in ingrowing nail in man; from the irritation of 
stable filth; or to foreign substances becoming wedged in between 
the toes. This disease is most commonly seen on the hind feet, 
though all four maybe affected. It is not contagious, as in sheep, 
although a number of animals exposed to the same conditions 
may develop the disease. 

Symptoms. — The animal is observed to limp in walking. On 
examining the feet, there is found fever and swelling above the 
hoof, and of the soft parts between the claws, which fre- 
quently spreads the toes apart to a considerable extent, or the 
inflammation may have advanced to softening and sloughing of 
the soft parts between the toes. If disease is neglected at this 
stage, deep abscesses may form and the pus burrow under the 
homy wall, or the joint within the foot may become inflamed, in 
which case the treatment is difficult and recovery tedious. 

Treatment. — 

In the early stages, before the pus burrows beneath the 
horn, thoroughly cleanse the part and apply a 3 per cent. 
Carbolic Acid lotion and also the White Lotion (see Prescrip- 
tions, in back of book), and then foment in cold water, as in 
"Founder," also treat internally as for "Founder." Feed on 
laxative diet, and give clean, dry stable. If deep sloughing has 
taken place, the Carbolic solution should be used the same, and a 
wad of oakum or cotton, smeared with Pine Tar, should be firmly 
secured in the cleft. This can be done by taking a strip of strong 
cloth, two inches wide, passing the middle between the toes, then 
tying the ends, after winding them in opposite directions, above 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 493 

the hoof. Sometimes warm poulticing with Linseed meal, boiled 
carrots, or boiled, mashed potatoes, can be used in place of 
fomenting. If pus burrows under the horn, its channel must be 
followed by paring away the horn, until the bottom is reached. 
Then treat as already recommended. If the joint has become 
inflamed, the animal should be placed in a shallow tank of water 
and the other treatment continued. If the animal does not take 
kindly to the fomenting or poulticing, stand him with the affected 
feet in a shallow tank of water, containing 4 ounces of Acetate of 
Lead and 4 ounces of Carbolic Acid to each pailful of water used. 
Keep the water cold by adding a little ice occasionally. 

PRICKS AND WOUNDS; FISTULA OF THE 
FOOT. — If an animal suffers from a penetrating wound from 
prick of fork or nail, the orifice of the wound should be enlarged 
to allow a free discharge of pus; then apply a Linseed meal poul- 
tice, changing it three time a day until the fever has abated, and 
flush out the wound with the Carbolic Acid lotion. Keep animal 
on a clean floor until all lameness has gone. 

If an animal is cut in the foot with barbed wire, glass, or any 
other substance, dress the wound, after careful cleansing with 
Carbolic solution: 

Carbolic Acid 6 drachms. 

Water i pint. 

If any uneven edges of horn or skin, or of torn flesh project, 
trim them off and apply, where possible, a tarred bandage. This 
will hold parts in place, keep out flies, and exclude dirt. When 
the wound has extended into a joint, surgical treatment may be 
needed, and a veterinarian should be called. Sometimes, by foot 
getting caught in a crevice, it gets bruised, wrenched, or some 
part of the foot is fractured. In such a case apply cold-water 
blankets to the part until the fever and swelling disappear; after 
which allow the animal rest until the foot is strong. Unless com- 
plications arise, this will be all the treatment needed. 

In case the wound becomes fistulous, which will be known 
by lameness, and discharge from a small opening, which shows 
no tendency to heal; pare out the horn around the sore spot, so 



494 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

as to allow a free discharge of contents, and inject the Carbolic 
Acid lotion; then poultice with hot I^inseed meal until the offend- 
ing substance is removed. After this is out, the wound will heal 
without further trouble. With these wounds, standing in the shal- 
low tank, as for "Founder" or "Foul," may prove a very effectual 
treatment. 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 



APOPLEXY; CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN.— 

Apoplexy is the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain; congestion 
is the abnormal flow of blood to the vessels of the brain. 

Causes. — It may be due to degeneration and consequent rup- 
ture of a blood vessel in the brain, the alarming symptoms being 
due to the pressure of blood upon the nerve substance. Fat, 
full-blooded cattle are most likely to be affected with disease. 

Symptoms. — Attack is sudden, animal generally falls as 
though hit with an ax; convulsions similar to those described in 
encephalitis may ensue, or may be both unconscious and motion- 
less; the eyes are open and blindly staring, mouth frothy, and 
body cold; breathing is loud or snoring, pulse frequent and small. 
Symptoms may moderate, but continued escape of blood causes 
death. In the case of plethoric cattle, in hot weather, symptoms 
are similar but milder; animal may at first be dull, staggering, 
and fall only to the knees, the muzzle resting on the ground. 

Treatment.— 

Cold applications should be applied to the head, in the form 
of cold, wet blankets, or better, ice poultices, and the general 
treatment, as in "Encephalitis, or Inflammation of the Brain," is 
indicated. If simple congestion, the animal will recover in a 
comparatively short time; if apoplexy, it is more serious, and 
treatment may fail. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 495 

CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN.— 

Causes. — From striking the head on some hard object while 
running, or from falling on the head. The injury may fracture 
the cranium and cause compression (pressing together) of the 
brain. 

Symptoms. — These vary with severity of injury. Animal may 
lie prostrate and unconscious, with loss of sensation and power; 
if there are slight convulsive movements, they are without effort 
of the will. Death may follow injury; or if blow was not serious, 
recovery follow in a short time; or animal may remain uncon- 
scious, or may partially recover and encephalitis result in a few 
days. The injury may not only cause concussion, but at the 
same time may fracture one or more bones of the cranium; this 
may be simple — a crack in the bone without depression, or broken 
bone may be depressed, pressing on the brain, producing what is 
called compression of the brain. Compression of the brain may 
also follow injury without fracture, where there is a ruptured 
blood vessel, the escaped blood pressing on the brain substance. 
Or the injury may cause inflammation, and compression be due 
to pus formation. Compression, when due to escape of blood, 
may be suspected when insensibility continues. When from pus 
formation, the animal partially recovers, but after three or four 
days becomes unconscious again. 

Treatment. — 

If there is fracture with depression of bone, the part must 
be elevated, which in some cases may be done with a strong piece 
of steel, like a knife-blade. In many cases it is necessary to 
remove a portion of the bone in order to be able to raise the 
depressed part, but such cases call for expert treatment, and if a 
veterinarian is not immediately at hand, and the animal not a 
very valuable one, it should be butchered as soon as possible after 
accident, before the meat is unfit for use. 

In concussion of the brain, during the first stages, when the 
surface of the body is cold, cover body and legs with warm 
blankets. It is useless to try to give medicine while animal is 
insensible. Cold water, or crushed ice, should be applied to the 
head, and when consciousness returns give the purgative drench. 



496 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

as in "Encephalitis." Assist the animal to its feet, put in a 
comfortable place, free from noise and light. Only small amounts 
of food, in the form of bran slops, or freshly cut grass, should be 
given for some time. As a preventive against "Encephalitis," 
which is very apt to result from injuries of this kind, give the 
general treatment for that disorder. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN— ENCEPHA- 
LITIS. — Inflammation of the brain and its membranes, is tech- 
nically called ' ' Encephalitis, ' ' but owing to various symptoms, 
which, no doubt, depend on the particular part affected, disease 
is known by a variety of names, as "staggers," "stomach 
staggers," "mad staggers," " sleepy staggers, " and the like. 
Inflammation of the brain without involving membranes, is so 
rare, and the possibility of distinguishing it by symptoms so 
remote, that it will be included in this treatment. 

Causes. — May be caused by blows, or injuries to the head ; 
by irritation from tumors of the brain ; or, food containing ergot 
or other fungus growth, may cause the affection. In some local- 
ities certain plants have the reputation of causing the affection, 
as, for example, the Atamasco lily is called " stagger grass." 

Symptoms. — These vary much ; but a careful observer will 
notice trouble with nervous system. First signs may be those of 
frenzy, but generally at the start the animal is dull and sleepy, 
and may stand with head pressed against a wall or fence with 
legs kept moving as though animal were trying to walk through 
an obstruction ; or the body, especially the hind part, may be 
leaned against side of stall or stable, as if for support. Bowels 
are constipated and urine scanty and dark colored. There may 
be trembling and spasms of muscles in different parts. In dull 
stage, breathing is slower than normal, and there may be snoring; 
pulse large and less frequent. If aroused, animal acts startled 
and stares wildly. The gait is staggering. When delirium 
ensues animal is said to be mad ; it bellows, stamps the feet, runs 
about wildly, grates the teeth and froths at the mouth. If con- 
fined, it rears and plunges, and fits are so violent that it is often 
dangerous to offer aid. May be wet with sweat ; fall ; muscles 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 497 

twitch and jerk ; often head is raised and dashed to ground until 
nose and mouth bleed. Eyes may be blood-shot ; limbs straight 
and stiff, or may be kicked about recklessly ; head may be drawn 
back, or to one side ; urine may come in jets ; often the haw is 
drawn over the eye. Convulsions may be succeeded by a more 
or less prolonged stupor, and animal regains senses, gets on its feet 
and perhaps eats, while at other times it gets up with difficulty 
and staggers blindly about the stall or field. The above symptoms 
are not all present in one case. In those cases called "sleepy 
staggers," the general symptoms of drowsiness are shown, while 
in other cases the frenzy symptoms cause affection to be called 
" mad staggers." In other cases, when the spinal cord and its 
membranes are involved, there are, in addition, symptoms of 
paralysis, swaying of hindquarters, inability to rise, etc. The 
various symptoms increase in frequency and violence until they 
end in death, which usually results from an attack of Encephalitis 
in cattle. When disease follows injury to head, symptoms usually 
do not follow for two or three days. 

Treatment. — 

To be of any use, treatment must be prompt. Give a good 
purgative; to a cow of average size the following: 

Epsom Salts i^ pounds. 

Pulverized Gamboge J^ ounce. 

Warm water 3 quarts. 

Mix all together and give as a drench. 

In addition, inject into the rectum about two quarts of warm 
water, or warm soapsuds, every three or four hours. Keep 
animal quiet; give plenty of cold water, but no food except bran 
slops in small quantities, and freshly cut grass, if in season. 

During convulsions, give quieting drugs — i-ounce doses of 

Bromide of Potash, along with i -drachm doses of Fluid Extract of 

Belladonna, every three or four hours, and a tablespoonful of 

Saltpeter three times a day; keep animal from injuring itself; 

hold head to the ground and have plenty of straw under it. Cold 

water should be continuously applied to the head, or ice-bags 

used on the head. 
32 



498 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

If the animal is dull instead of delirious, do not give the 
Bromide of Potash, but instead give the following. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract Colchicum Seed i >^ " 

Alcohol 8 

Saltpeter 3 " 

Water, to make i pint. 

Dose: i ounce, five or six times a day. Give 
very carefully, or animal will choke. 

Continue the ice poultices to the head. Mustard paste is 
sometimes applied along the spine and may be of some value. 
After two or three days, if the animal shows some improvement, 
give the following, alternating the doses with those of the fore- 
going: 

Iodide of Potash 6 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Digitalis Yz ounce. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: 2 ounces, three times a day. 

PARALYSIS. — Paralysis is a loss of voluntary motion. 
Its most common forms are better known tmder the names of 
paraplegia and hemiplegia. In the former, the whole fore or hind 
parts are affected; in the latter case, one side of the body only is 
affected. 

Causes. — May be due to concussion of the spine; fracture of 
a bone of the spinal column; concussion of the brain; compression 
of the brain. An injury to one side of the brain may produce 
paralysis of that side of the head and of the opposite side of the 
body. May occur in connection with parturient apoplexy, lead 
poisoning, ergotism and the like. It may be associated with 
indigestion, or affect cows heavy with calf. 

Treatment. — 

Find out the cause of trouble and give treatment as directed 
under the same. If the cause is not well understood, the follow- 
ing treatment may be beneficial. Give a mild purgative, as fol- 
lows: 

Epsom Salts i pound. 

Ginger... i ounce. 

Water 2 quarts. 

^ix and give as one dose. 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 499 

Give also the following as one dose and repeat it night and 

morning for a month. 

Nux Vomica 2 drams. 

Saltpeter ^ ounce. 

Mix. 

If muscular twitchings should occur, discontinue for a few 
days. 

EPILEPSY— FITS.- 

Causes. — The exact cause of epilepsy, in a majority of cases, 
is not known. Diseases of the brain in some cases are causes; 
and in other instances the trouble has been shown in connection 
with a diseased condition of the blood. Teething, worms, and 
chronic indigestion are also causes of the affection. 

Symptoms. — This disease is characterized by the onset of 
sudden convulsions. Animal may seem in fair condition, but at 
any time may have an attack, manifested by staggering, falling, 
and violent convulsive actions of the muscles of the body. Urine 
or dung may be passed, during fit, involuntarily, and breathing is 
stertorous or snoring. 

Treatment. — 

If there are symptoms of worms or indigestion, follow the 
general treatment as indicated under their proper heads. If due 
to irritation caused by teething, the inflamed gums must be 
lanced. If unshed temporary teeth are the cause, they must be 
extracted. When the cause cannot be discovered, there is little 
prospect of a cure. Some benefit may be derived, however, by 
an occasional dose of purgative medicine, as a pound of Epsom 
Salts dissolved in a quart of warm water. In addition to the pur- 
gative, 4 drachms of Bromide of Potash dissolved in drinking 
water, three times a day, has sometimes been found efficacious. 

CORNSTALK DISEASE.— Throughout the corn-grow- 
ing regions of the Western and Central States it is a common 
practice to turn cattle into the fields after the corn has been 
gathered to eat the stalks and leaves that would otherwise be 
wasted. From these conditions occurs the disease as above 
named. 



500 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Causes. — The real cause is not known, but is probably either 
acute indigestion or poisoning by some substance in the stalks. 
It is most common in years when there is a heavy growth of 
stalks, and after the same are thoroughly dried. Attacks seem to 
be associated with cold, wet storms. Young cattle are more sub- 
ject to the disease than old ones, and the trouble is most frequent 
when the cattle are first turned into the fields, or are changed 
from one field to another. 

Symptoms. — Disease comes on with few premonitory symp- 
toms. The first usually noticed is that animal stands "humped 
up' ' and apart from his fellows. If made to move, he does so 
reluctantly and with a peculiar, wabbling gait. There is twitch- 
ing of the tail and kicking at the belly. Usually there are indi- 
cations of delirium, and as disease advances these become more 
marked and associated with signs of severe pain, such as bellow- 
ing and moaning. Death usually follows in 24 hours. 

Treatment. — 

There is no medicinal treatment that has proved of any bene- 
fit, but preventive measures will greatly reduce the loss. Cattle 
should be well fed and watered before turning them into the 
fields, and some laxative food, such as alfalfa or millet, fed every 
day. At first, a half hour a day in the field is enough, then 
gradually increase until they have become accustomed to the 
change in food. 

SUNSTROKE. — This is not a very common occurrence 
among cattle. Working oxen, stall-fed cattle that have been 
driven some distance on the road in hot weather, and cattle shut 
up in pens, or cars in transit, are the most subject to attack. 

Symptoms. — The first are those of exhaustion — dullness, 
panting, frothing at the mouth, tongue hanging out, irregular 
gait, uneasiness, palpitation of the heart, when, if conditions are 
not mitigated, animal staggers, falls, struggles, and then becomes 
quiet, or he may continue struggling and try to get up again. 
In serious cases unconsciousness may come without premonitory 
symptoms. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 501 

Treatment. — 

When not severe, remove to a quiet place for a few days, and 
keep on a reduced diet. This, in most instances, is all that will 
be needed. When animal has fallen, apply cold water, or ice, to 
the head; rub the body and limbs with cloths wet with cold 
water, or wisp of straw, and keep up the rubbing for some time. 
If power of swallowing is not lost— which can be found out by 
trying with a little water — give: 

Liquor Ammonia fortis 3 drachms. 

Water, cold i quart. 

Be careful in drenching. Repeat in one-half hour, and again 
in one hour. Instead of Ammonia, the following may be given: 

Spirits of Nitrous Ether 3 ounces. 

Water, cold i pint. 

Or: 4 to 6 ounces of Whiskey, or 2 to 3 ounces of Alcohol, 
in one-half pint of water. 

The Ammonia is preferable, however. If unconsciousness 
continues so that the remedy cannot be given by mouth, give 
same amount of Ammonia and water as an injection. The com- 
mon Aqua Ammonia, or Hartshorn, may be used, if other is not 
at hand, but it is much weaker, and i ^ ounces would be required 
for a dose, with amount of water as above. When Ammonia is 
not at hand, shake 2 ounces of Turpentine in a pint of milk and 
inject in the rectum, and this will be beneficial until Ammonia is 
procured. As soon as the animal can rise, get to a shelter. Give 
all the cold water it will drink, and give the Ammonia, or Alcohol, 
drench as long as there is much failure of strength. Sloppy food 
and a little freshly cut grass, in limited quantity only, should be 
allowed for several days. When signs of returning strength are 
shown, give 12 ounces of Epsom Salts in a quart of water — in 
those cases that have been down and unconscious; give slowly. 
Never resort to bleeding in this trouble. 

LOCK-JAW— TETANUS.— Cattle are subject to this 
disease, but it is not common. Horses and mules are much more 
subject to it. It is serious, but not always fatal. 



502 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Causes. — It arises from operations or wounds of any kind 
and in any part of the body. The cause is a germ, or bacterium, 
that enters the system through a wound. 

Symptoms. — The first symptom is usually a stiffness in the 
manner of carrying the head; the muzzle is elevated, "poked 
out ' ' ; ears are also carried stiffly, and moved little, if any. The 
haw or "washer" is forced over the eye, as though there were 
some eye trouble; animal walks stiffly, as if the legs were sticks; 
when turned, body is kept straight, as though a log. Animal stands 
with legs propped, and tail is elevated. Jaws at first are moved 
stiffly, and there may be grating and champing of the teeth, but 
if an attempt is made to open the mouth wider, rigidity will be 
shown. Animal will eat as long as jaws are not set; pulse at first 
is hard but not much changed, but later is quicker; urine and 
dung are passed with difficulty. As disease advances, all symp- 
toms are more pronounced. Haw extends farther over eye^ 
breathing is more rapid and difficult, jaws become more set and 
locked, and swallowing, which was difficult, becomes nearly or 
quite impossible. At times, and especially if annoyed, the inten- 
sity of the spasm or contraction is so great as to amount to 
paroxyms. 

Treatment.— 

At appearance of first symptoms, if the auimal is still able 
to swallow, give the following drench; give carefully, as effort of 
giving may cause spasms and jaws will set: 

Epsom Salts lo ounces. 

Common Salt lo ounces. 

Calomel 2 drachms. 

Pulverized Gentian i ounce. 

Warm water 2 quarts. 

Mix, and give as one dose. Not to be repeated. 

Examine closely for wounds on every part of the body. 
Don't neglect the slightest scratch. Put animal in a dark, quiet 
stall, away from noise and excitement. Wash all wounds with 
hot soap-suds, so that a nice clean sore is presented. Then use. 

Bichloride of Mercury 30 grains. 

Or, Pure Carbolic Acid \% ounces. 

Water I quart. 

Mix. 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 503 

Pour some of this solution on each wound, and sop it with a 
wad of cotton or a piece of cloth, so that the wound is well satu- 
rated with the medicine. Then wet a pad of absorbent cotton 
with the solution, and bind on the wound. Repeat treatment 
once a day thoroughly on every scratch you can find, until well 
healed. If in the foot, cut away hoof to expose injury before 
dressing. Painful wounds of the feet should be poulticed twice 
daily for three or four days, with I^inseed meal poultices, but at 
each change of poultice, wash wound with solution, and when 
this is discontinued, dress with cotton and medicine once a day. 
Feed regular food as long as it can be eaten, and then give sloppy 
feeds of bran, com meal and small quantities of Ivinseed meal. 
Give cold water freely. Arrange so animal can get food and 
water with little reaching. The excitement of drenching does 
more harm than medicine does good, so do not attempt it. Dis- 
solve I ounce of Bromide of Potash in every 2 gallons of water 
the patient will drink. Three times a day inject into the rectum 
the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Cannabis Indica.... 2 " 
Warm water i pint. 

Do everything in a quiet, orderly manner, and don't allow 
visitors to see animal. Excitement must be avoided. When 
improvement is seen, drop off remedies gradually, at first give 
two-thirds, then one-half, finally stop; but at any time return to 
original amount if unfavorable symptoms are shown. 

LIGHTNING STROKE— ELECTRIC SHOCK.— 

When an animal is struck by lightning, the shock is immediately 
expended on the nervous system, and as a rule death occurs at 
once; but when not fatal, animation is suspended to a greater or 
less degree. 

Symptoms. — When not fatal, symptoms vary according to 
severity of the shock. Animal generally falls as from an apoplec- 
tic attack, and symptoms are shown as in concussion of the brain. 
Muscular system may be completely relaxed; legs limber; muscles 
soft and flabby to touch, or there may be convulsions, spasms, 



504 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

and twitching of the muscles. Breathing is generally labored, 
irregular, or interrupted, and slower than normal. In most cases 
the electric fluid leaves its mark by singeing the hair, or by 
inflicting wounds, burns, or blisters. 

Treatment. — 

So long as the heart beats, efforts to restore the animal should 
be made. Dash cold water over the head and body; rub the 
body and legs; smartly whip the body with wet towels or switches. 
Rub Mustard paste over the legs, back of the head, and on each 
side of the neck. Inject into the rectum as follows: 

Liquor Ammonia fortis 4 drachms. 

Warm water i quart. 

One and one-half ounces of Ammonia may be used instead of 
lyiquor Ammonia, if former is not to be had. Cautiously, and 
not too suddenly, hold an uncorked bottle of Ammonia to the 
nostrils to be inhaled. In desperate cases, artificial respiration 
should be tried. With both hands spread out, press down alter- 
nately on abdomen behind ribs, and on chest back of shoulder, in 
regular order, so that chest and abdomen are pressed on alternately 
about twenty times a minute. Press slow and steady, imitating 
the motions of breathing. To aid in work, a hand-bellows may 
be used each time after chest is pressed on, by inserting the noz- 
zle into the nostril and gently forcing in air. When animal is 
revived enough to be able to swallow, give the Ammonia remedy 
above, as a drench, and repeat the dose in an hour. Be careful 
in drenching not to strangle animal. 

Where shock does not produce insensibility, give the Am- 
monia and water remedy at once as a drench, or instead: 

Brandy, 4 ounces; or Whiskey Bounces. 

Water i quart. 

These doses may be repeated every three or four hours if 
necessary. When serious symptoms are gone, give Sulphate of 
Quinine in 2-drachm doses twice a day until well. If any paraly- 
sis remains, give ij^ drachms of pulverized Nux Vomica with 
the Quinine. Burns or blisters should be treated with antisep- 
tics as in treating wounds. Treatment applies to electric shock 
in every form. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 505 



CONTAGIOUS DISEASES OF CATTLE 



CONTAGIOUS ABORTION.— In some regions, this is 
one of the most serious diseases that stockmen have to contend 
with, and when once established, it is difficult to eradicate. 

Catises. — The cause of this disease is thought to be a germ, 
or a number of kinds of germs. It is transmitted from a cow 
that has aborted by the discharges from the vagina, or by the 
fcetus, or its membranes. It is also thought probable that a bull 
that has served a cow that has aborted, may communicate the 
disease to other cows. 

Symptoms.— CoYfS may abort at any stage of pregnancy, but 
most commonly after the fourth month; if at an earlier period, 
there are few symptoms. There may be a discharge of mucus 
from the vagina, and the vulva may be slightly swollen; small 
yellow ulcers may sometimes be seen on examination, in the 
membrane lining the vagina. At a later period the signs are 
those of approaching parturition — there may be a rope of mucus 
hanging from vulva, milk secretion may start, and the cow be 
"down in her hips." The finding of the foetus and envelopes, 
or the hanging of the envelopes from the vulva, is a sure indica- 
tion that the accident has occurred. It is impossible to tell 
whether an abortion is of a contagious nature, or from other 
causes, and so it is safest to treat each case as if contagious. If 
a number of animals abort, it indicates a contagious condition. 

Treatment. — 

When a cow has aborted, or shows signs of aborting, she 
should at once be isolated from other cows, and the place where 
she stood be thoroughly disinfected by a 5 per cent, solution of 
Carbolic Acid, or a i to 1000 solution of Corrosive Sublimate — 
about I drachm dissolved in a gallon of water is a rough propor- 
tion — after the stall has been scraped and all loose litter burned. 
After using the antiseptic, give the stall a good coating of white- 
wash. Burn or bury deeply the aborted calf and membranes, 
and flush out the vagina and uterus with a Lysol solution, using 



5o6 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

2 drachms of lyysol to each quart of water; 2 drachms or Carbolic 
Acid can be used in place of the L,ysol, but the Lysol is better. 
The tail and hinder parts should also be washed with a 3 per 
cent, solution. Continue treatment of vagina and womb as long 
as discharge is observed, and the adjoining parts wash daily for 
ten days longer. A cow that has aborted should not be bred for 
sometime after all discharges have ceased. If the discharges 
continue, or any other indications of leucorrhea, treat as for that 
disease. Two days before breeding, wash out the vagina with 
the Lysol solution. Sometimes a cow becomes barren after an 
abortion. Cleanliness, isolation of infected cows, the free use of 
antiseptics, and precautions against breeding to infected bulls, 
are the best means of combating this disease. If these are per- 
sistently carried out the disease will finally disappear. 

As preventive remedies. Sulphite, or Hyposulphite of Soda, 
in I -ounce doses, twice or thrice a week, may be of value. A 
mixture as follows seems to give good results: 

Hyposulphite of Soda i pound. 

Sulphur I " 

Common salt 10 pounds. 

Mix, and give a handful to each pregnant 
cow two or three times a week. 

In addition, keep cows in fair flesh and in a good, vigorous 
condition. 

As the bull may be the means of spreading the disease, 
precautions should be taken to see that a bull does not cover a 
cow which has aborted, until after she has been carefully treated, 
and even then it would be best to disinfect the bull after covering 
her. He should also be disinfected after covering any suspicious 
cows. To disinfect the bull, pass a piece of rubber tubing into 
the sheath and hold the end of the sheath tight around it, elevate 
the other end of the tube, put a funnel in it, and pour the disin- 
fecting solution into funnel; use the same solution as for flushing 
out the womb of the cow. The funnel should be held as high as 
the back. Hold the solution in the sheath for a few minutes after 
it fills. Repeat every second day for a number of days. 

If a cow aborts and there is good reason to believe that it 
might be of a contagious nature, all the pregnant cows should 



DISKASKS OF CATTLE 507 

have their vulvas, and back part of hips and tails washed off once a 
day, for a few days, with a 3 per cent. Carbolic Acid solution, 
or the I to 1000 Corrosive Sublimate solution. 

While, perhaps, contagious abortion is more often seen 
among cows than other animals, it may affect any of the animals; 
it not infrequently attacks mares where quite a large number are 
kept for breeding. The same general treatment should be given 
to all. 

CONTAGIOUS PLEURO- PNEUMONIA. — This is 

one of the most fatal and contagious diseases to which cattle are 
subject. As the name indicates, it is an inflammation of the lungs 
and the pleura, or covering. It was brought into this coimtry 
from Europe, where it has caused heavy losses to the cattle 
industry. Through the efforts of the Bureau of Animal Industry, 
the disease has been stamped out in the United States, and the 
only danger now lies in cattle brought in from other lands, but 
with our well-established and carefully carried out quarantine 
regulations this will probably not occur. 

Causes. — On the American continent, at least, it arises from 
contagion by coming in contact, or being near, an animal that 
has, or has had, the disease within a year. The exact nature of 
the virus of contagion has not been determined. The time after 
exposure before the disease appears, is generally from three to six 
weeks, but may be three months. 

Symptoms. — The first symptom is a rise in temperature to 
103 to 106 degrees, which clinical thermometer in rectum will 
indicate; there will be loss of appetite; a staring coat; slight 
shiverings; a hard, dry cough; loss of milk; scanty urine, which 
is dark colored. Following this will be tenderness on pressure 
between the ribs over the lungs; cough will increase; breathing 
quicken; nose will extend; back will be arched; hind legs will be 
drawn under the body, and the elbows turned out. Later there 
will be a watery and more pronounced discharge from the nose 
and eyes; obstinate constipation, or a watery, fetid diarrhea; a 
rapid weakening of the system, ending in death. In early stages 
percussion over the lungs brings back a clear, resonant sound; 



5o8 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

later it will be dull and heavy. Also in first stages, on listening, 
there will be a dry, crackling sound; later it will be dull and 
heavy. 

In America the disease is apt to be more severe during warm 
weather. Yet the slow, sub-acute cases are just as capable of 
spreading the disease, hence watchfulness must be exercised. 

Treatment. — 

Perhaps one-half the affected animals will recover, but treat- 
ment does not seem to assist, and from the fact that the disease 
spreads so readily, medical treatment should not be attempted. 
Prevention consists in keeping animals so they will not be exposed 
to contagion. When this plague exists in a locality, the owner 
of healthy animals should keep his stock from coming near those 
affected, and from those exposed. Persons who have been on 
infected premises should not be allowed to visit premises where 
there is healthy stock. When pleuro-pneumonia breaks out in 
a herd, every animal in that herd should be slaughtered and 
buried deep, the stables cleaned and thoroughly disinfected, 
and no other cattle allowed on premises for 90 days. When 
disease has broken out, the matter should be put into the hands 
of government inspectors appointed for that purpose, and they 
will devise means for stamping it out. As has been said, the 
disease does not exist in the United States at the present, it 
having been stamped out some twelve years ago at great expense. 
The foregoing is simply given that stockmen may have a little 
idea of its nature. 

TEXAS FEVER— SPANISH OR SPLENIC FEVER 
—SOUTHERN CATTLE FEVER.— In Australia this dis- 
ease is called " tick fever," and in other sections, owing to color 
of urine, it is called " red water." Cattle coming from the region 
south of central Virginia and Tennessee, and east of central 
Indian Territory and Texas, and from lower California, come 
from a permanently infected territory, and have the parasites of 
Texas fever in their blood; but they do not suffer from it, as 
they possess immimity, contracted when small calves. 

Causes. — It is caused by a microscopic parasite, which attacks 
and destroys the red blood corpuscles, and is transmitted from 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 509 

southern cattle to susceptible northern ones, by means of the 
southern cattle tick. When southern cattle, from tick-infested 
•districts, are brought north during warm weather, the mature 
?emale ticks drop from their bodies and lay a great number of 
Eggs, that hatch in from two to six weeks, depending upon the 
Weather. The young ticks are active, and show a tendency to 
climb, and when northern cattle pass over the ground, the young 
ticks get on their legs, crawl up to their bodies, and soon bury 
their mouth parts in the skin of the belly, or inside of thighs. In 
this way the disease is transmitted. In about ten days after 
young ticks are established on susceptible cattle, they begin to 
show symptoms of disease. Ordinarily thirty to forty days elapse 
after southern cattle pass over and infect the ground, before 
northern cattle show signs of the affection, though it may be longer, 
depending on the length of time it takes the eggs to hatch. 
When susceptible northern cattle are taken into infected southern 
lands, the symptoms of the fever usually appear in from ten to 
fifteen days, as the young ticks are all ready to get on them at 
once. The litter cleaned from cars in which southern cattle are 
shipped, may be a means of contagion to cattle running at large. 
Cases from this method of contagion have been called "town-cow 
disease," as cows running at large in towns, where southern 
cattle are fed during shipment, or cars are cleaned, contract the 
disease in this way. 

Symptoms. — There is a loss of appetite, and suspended rumi- 
nation, but, though unobserved, these symptoms are preceded by 
a high fever, 105 to 108 F. Animal keeps by itself. As disease 
advances, there is great weakness, with trembling and difficulty 
in getting up; the head droops; the ears lop; the flanks are 
"tucked up;" usually constipation, though there may be 
diarrhea, which latter is regarded as a favorable symptom; loss 
of milk in milch cows; urine, toward the last, is a dark cherry-red 
in color, and this may be considered a marked symptom of the 
disease. Young ticks will be found on belly, inside of thighs, 
and on the fore legs and brisket. They are minute, and a close 
examination is often necessary to reveal them. The disease 
develops before the ticks reach maturity. In after-death exami- 
nation, the blood is found to be thin, and does not clot readily; 



5IO THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

the gall-bladder is distended, with a dark, thick, granular bile. 
Spleen is greatly enlarged, and of a farry consistency, hence the 
name, "splenic fever." The liver is also enlarged, and is yel- 
lower in color than normal; especially is this noticed when it is 
cut open. The kidneys are, also, more or less congested, and the 
urine in the bladder of a red color. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as the disease appears, all well animals should be 
removed from the tick-infested ground and the ticks, if any, 
which are on them, should be removed. The sick should also be 
removed to tick-free quarters and ticks removed from them; this 
can be done by picking off many, and by applying something to 
destroy those remaining. Cotton-seed Oil applied with a paint 
brush will destroy any that may have been overlooked, or a 
thorough application of any of the dipping preparations will 
destroy them. Place the animal in comfortable quarters and 
give nourishing food and plenty of fresh water. It is a good 
practice at the outset to give a dose of Epsom Salts — from i to i% 
pounds, along with 3 or 4 ounces of Ginger dissolved in 2 quarts 
of water. This helps to get rid of some of the waste products, 
which are very numerous. Also give Quinine liberally— from 
I to 2-drachm doses every two to four hours as long as the 
fever remains high. To give the Quinine, dissolve in % pint of 
water to which 10 drops Sulphuric Acid has been added. If there 
is great weakness, give 2 to 3 ounces of Alcohol in % pint of 
water, three of four times a day. Good nursing counts for much; 
if animal will not eat, drench three or four times a day with a 
quart or two of milk, and the same amount of Linseed meal 
gruel to which 3 or 4 tablespoonfuls of Blood Flour have been 
added. Eggs are also good to give in the milk or gruel. While 
the treatment will, without doubt, fail with the severe attacks, 
it will help tide over milder cases, which might otherwise 
succumb. 

Strict quarantine regulations prevent the shipment of south- 
ern cattle north, except for slaughter, and then with certain 
restrictions ( from February 1 5 to December i ) , so that now there 
is little danger of this disease, except near the quarantine line or 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 51^ 

along the lines of railroad over which southern cattle are shipped 
to market. Tick-free districts south of the quarantine line are 
also liable to the disease if cattle having ticks on them are intro- 
duced. Cattle which have been kept free f-rom ticks are also 
subject to the disease if put into tick-infested pastures. Cattle 
in the tick- infested territorj'- acquire immunity by becoming 
infested with ticks when small calves, and having a mild forln of 
the disease. 

Immunity can be produced by vaccination; this consists in 
injecting a little of the blood ( ^ to i drachm) from an animM 
which has ticks on her, or has recently had them, into the animal 
to be rendered immune. The vaccinated animal has the disease 
in a mild form and recovers, and is then vaccinated again the 
second time with a larger amount of the blood, and after the 
second attack, if she contracts it, she can be placed in tick- 
infested pastures with safety. Late fall or winter is the best 
time to vaccinate; young animals acquire immunity more readily 
than old. 

Cold weather kills the ticks, so the disease is not carried 
north during winter, and there are no restrictions with regard 
to shipping cattle north from December i to February 15. Cattle 
from which ticks are removed before shipping, will not spread 
the disease. Dipping is resorted to to remove the ticks, but is 
not as yet entirely satisfactory, as some of the ticks withstand 
the dipping. 

CONTAGIOUS ECZEMA— FOOT AND MOUTH 

DISEASE. — This disease is also known as "epizootic aphtha," 
"aphthous fever' ' and ' 'eczema epizootica, ' ' and is an acute, highly 
contagious fever of a specific nature, marked by blisters in the 
mouth, around the coronet of the foot, and between the toes. 
It attacks cattle principally, but may also be transmitted to sheep, 
goats, pigs, and other domestic animals. Man may contract the 
disease from infected animals. It is generally considered a germ 
disease, though the specific organism has not been discovered. 
The disease has prevailed many years in Europe, and great loss 
has followed its ravages, some sections being rarely free from it, 
while in other parts it appears at irregular inter^^als. One attack 



512 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

does not confer immunit}'. In this country it is a new disease, 
the first being discovered in the early fall of 1902, in the New 
England states, where it was confined and stamped out by rigid 
quarantine restrictions, prescribed by the general government 
and the different states. At present the disease does not exist 
in the United States, and our quarantine regulations will probably 
prevent its ever getting a foothold. The disease varies in 
virulence. In some outbreaks it is much more severe than in 
others. As a rule the mortality is very low, the greatest loss 
arising from falling off in flesh and milk, and the general deterior- 
ation resulting from disease, and the restrictions in live-stock 
trade. 

Causes. — As above stated, is believed to be due to a specific 
germ. Is transmitted by direct contact, and through the medium 
of infected food, litter, watering places, stables, cars, and attend- 
ants. Possibly contagion may be carried a short distance in the 
air. The milk of an affected animal is highly contagious. The 
time for development of disease varies, but is short — from two to 
twenty days; usually in three or four days. 

Symptoms. — Usually begins with a chill, which may pass 
unnoticed. The animal keeps by itself; back is arched; hair 
staring; flanks tucked up; and there is shivering or twitching of 
the muscles. Animal moves with reluctance, and with marked 
lameness; a thick, yellowish secretion comes in inner corner of 
eye and about edges of nostril; temperature of animal rises from 
two to five degrees F.; pulse is accelerated. Blisters form in 
mouth, about the feet, and on udder, varying in size from a pea 
to a 25-cent piece, and are filled with a watery fluid. They soon 
burst, leaving raw surfaces, and shreds of tissue hanging about 
edges. In the mouth the blisters form on the lips, tongue, 
cheeks, and pad of upper jaw. The animal champs with a smack- 
ing noise, and there is a profuse slavering from the mouth. 
Saliva at first is normal, but later becomes thick and ropy. 
Mouth is often so sore that animal cannot eat solid food. The 
blisters about the feet are on the coronet, and between the toes, 
and often cause severe lameness. One or all the feet may be 
affected. When blisters burst, raw, angry sores result. In 



DISEASES OF CATTEE 515 

severe, untreated cases, the hoof may be shed, or ulceration may 
involve the greater part of the soft structures of the foot. 
Pneumonia may also result as a complication, from inflammation 
extending from the mouth. 

Treatment. — 

The disease tends towards recovery without treatm mt, but 
treatment assists. Uncomplicated cases practically all recover. 
Flush out the mouth with astringent and antiseptic lotions. 
Use a lotion of Alum or Boracic Acid — an ounce to a pint of 
water; and also a lotion of Carbolic Acid, 2 drachms, to a pint of 
water. Alternate the lotions, using each twice a day, syringing 
into the mouth freely, letting the animal spit it out. Treat the 
feet as for " Foul," using the antiseptic lotion — Carbolic Acid 
I ounce, to a quart of water, and also White Lotion (see Pre- 
scriptions, in back of book). Use lotions freely. In cases where 
fever is high, give fever mixture, as the following : 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite i]4 drachms. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, three or four times a 
day. 

It is also good to give ^-pound doses of Epsom Salts every 
other day. 

In order to stamp out the disease with the recent outbreak, 
all diseased and exposed animals were killed. As the disease 
does not now exist in this country, this discussion is given simply 
for general information. 

ANTHRAX— CHARBON.— This is a malignant, infec- 
tious disease, attacking all animals, and even man, when infected 
from animals. In some parts of the west, and much more so in 
the south, it causes great losses in cattle, sheep, and mules. 
Severe losses result from it in some parts of the old world. It is 
most common near tanneries, the infection being brought in with 
the hides; or in localities where the disease has existed befcre. 
and the virus still remains; or where it has been scattered from 



514 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

infected localities, either by diseased animals, or contaminated 
materials, that may be carried by dogs or other animals, or 
washed by streams. 

Cause. — Anthrax is caused by the anthrax bacillus, a slender 
rod-shajed germ that can be easily found by a microscopical 
examinadon of the blood or tissues of a diseased animal, by mak- 
ing cultures, or by inoculating a small animal. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms of the disease vary greatly. In 
some cases there are no premonitory symptoms, the animal being 
found dead in the morning. This is often called the ' 'apoplectic' ' 
form, seen at the beginning of an outbreak. Other cases show 
high fever, weakened, accelerated pulse, with discharges of bloody 
mucus from the bowels and other natural openings of the body. 
Mucous membranes are of a bluish color, and there is great weak- 
ness and prostration, as is shown by the trembling of the muscles. 
Toward the last, the animal may be too weak to get up, but will 
lie convulsively kicking, pawing and champing the jaws. Death 
generally occurs in two or three days, although sub-acute cases 
may run longer, and a few cases may recover. Dropsical swel- 
lings frequently appear on the body; also tumors, called car- 
buncles, which at first are hot, tender swellings, but later become 
cold and painless, as the result of mortification. After-death 
examinations show bloody spots in the muscles and on internal 
organs; the spleen is greatly enlarged, the interior being very 
dark and thick; the blood is dark, thick and tarry in appearance, 
and does not clot readily; the veins are distended with dark 
blood, and there are bloody fluids escaping from the openings of 
the body. After death, the animal bloats badly and decomposi- 
tion takes place rapidly. 

While the foregoing are characteristic symptoms of the dis- 
ease, a certain diagnosis is made by having the blood and tissues 
examined by a bacteriologist for the germ which causes it. 

As the disease is communicated to man, great care must be 
exercised in post-mortems, or in handling animals dying of the 
disease; the skin should never be removed. Unless necessary to 
post-mortem, to determine the nature of the disease, the dead 
body shoula be disposed of intact, with as little flow of blood or 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 515 

discharges as possible, as these contain the germs in great num- 
bers. The body should be burned, or buried deeply, covering it 
with lime. This best be done where it dies, if possible; if impos- 
sible, move carefully, so as to spread the infection as little as 
possible, and disinfect place where animal died, thoroughly, by 
soaking with strong disinfectants and covering with lime. After 
the germs escape from the body, they take on a form which will 
retain its vitality for years under favorable conditions, hence dis- 
infection cannot be too thorough. Pastures becoming once 
infected, retain the infection for a long time. Low, damp, black 
soils remain infected much longer than higher, dryer soils. 
Animal become infested by the germs entering through wounds 
or with feed or water. 

In man, the disease is often called "Malignant Pustule," 
because it appears as a sore which is hard to cure; also known as 
"Wool-Sorters" disease, by being contracted by people handling 
wool and hides from animals dying of the disease. 

Treatment. — 

Medicinal treatment is of little use; in the milder attacks, the 
treatment as recommended for "Texas Fever" might help to tide 
the animal over, but the important thing is prevention. If it 
should break out, remove all animals at once to high, dry pas- 
tures, and keep all animals away from where the sick die or are 
disposed of. A very effectual preventive is vaccination, and all 
animals in districts where the disease is apt to occur should be 
vaccinated. This is much like vaccinating against small-pox. 
The animal is vaccinated with material containing the germs in a 
very much weakened form, and contracts a very mild form of the 
disease. In about two weeks it is vaccinated a second time, 
using a stronger vaccine, and this produces immunity. The 
vaccine is manufactured by different firms, and is given by inject- 
ing the required dose underneath the skin with a hypodermic 
syringe. When this disease breaks out, a veterinarian should 
supervise the care of the sick, the disposal of the dead, the dis- 
infection, and the vaccination. 



5i6 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

BLACK-LEG— BLACK QUARTER— Q U A R T E R 
ILL. — This is a rapidly fatal infectious disease of young cattle, 
from six months to four years of age (rarely after three years of 
age), associated with external swellings, which emit a crackling 
sound when handled, and an offensive odor when cut into; 
formerly regarded as a form of anthrax, but investigations have 
proved that it is a specific disease, produced by a germ quite 
different from that of anthrax. The disease is spread over quite 
a large part of the west, and some parts of the east and south. 

Cause. — By a germ that the cattle get through wounds at. 
pasture, or in food or drinking water. This germ will resist 
destructive agents for a considerable length of time, and may 
produce disease when inoculated, after several years of drying. 
Some regard moist, undrained, and swampy pastures as favorable 
to this trouble, but in high, dry prairies of the west it is quite as 
common as on lower lands. It is also thought that the disease 
germ does not belong naturally within the animal body, as it will 
develop outside the body, but being taken into the body of young 
animals, it finds conditions favorable and disease is produced. 
It sometimes breaks out in new localities where the disease has 
not been known before, the germs having been introduced in 
some manner. Infected localities are quite well known and there 
is no great tendency for the infection to spread any great dis- 
tance. 

Symptoms. — They are of both a general and a local nature. 
In from one to three days after infection takes place, there will- 
be loss of appetite and rumination, with dullness, debility, and 
a high fever. To these will be added lameness or stiffness of one 
or more limbs, due to the tumor, or swelling, that invariably 
attends the disease. After a few days of illness the animal 
usually dies ; toward the last becoming very weak ; labored 
breathing; weak pulse; lowering of the temperature, and more or 
less distress. The tumor, or swelling, is the marked feature of 
the affection; in some cases it may be the first noted symptom. 
It may be located on the thighs— hence the name— or on the 
neck, shoulder, breast, flanks, or rump, but not below hock or 
knee; sometimes in the vicinity of throat. At first, tumor is 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 517 

small, but it spreads and deepens rapidly, and when stroked or 
handled, a peculiar crackling sound is heard under the skin. This 
is due to a collection of gas formed by the germs, as they multi- 
ply. At this stage the skin becomes dry, parchment-like, cool 
and insensitive to touch in the center of the tumor, due to the 
decomposition that has taken place. If cut into, a dark red, 
frothy, and ill-smelling fluid is discharged. Animal shows little 
or no pain during operation. An after-death examination shows 
that the tissues under the skin are filled with blood, a yellow, 
jelly-like material, and gas bubbles; these, with the unchanged 
spleen, the clotting of the blood, and the crackling sound noted, 
will readily distinguish the disease from anthrax, in which the 
spleen is much enlarged, blood is tarry, does not easily clot, and 
the tumor, if present, does not crackle, and no gas is present. 

"Treatment. — 

Remove well calves and young animals to uninfected pastures 
or quarters, and give them uncontaminated water. Medical 
treatment has thus far been of little avail. Exercise and purging 
with Salts are recommended, the latter given as a drench in ^ to 
I -pound doses, depending on the size of the animal. As a pre- 
vention, all susceptible animals should be vaccinated with black- 
leg virus, which is a safe and reliable preventive. In regions 
where this trouble prevails, the young cattle should be vaccinated 
a month or so before it is time for the trouble to occur, and as it 
occurs at slightly different times in different localities, the time 
for vaccinating will vary some — some time during the spring or 
■early summer. 

Black-leg vaccine is made from the diseased flesh of a calf 
that has died of the disease, by heating it to a temperature that 
weakens the germs. Two forms of the vaccine are prepared — 
the "single," which requires but one injection, and the "double," 
which requires two injections, ten days apart. The double vaccine 
makes more trouble, and in some cases the expense of vaccinating 
the second time precludes its use, but it is safer to use, and unless 
the disease has broken out in the herd, it is recommended as giv- 
ing better protection; and besides, in the case of very fat calves, 
which seem to be more susceptible to the disease, the single is not 



5i8 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

entirely effectual. The vaccine is put up in various forms; some 
firms send it out in the form of a little pill, others in the form ofi 
a string saturated with the virus, these to be inserted under the 
skin — the pills with special instrument, the string with a needle—" 
and it also comes in powder, to be mixed with water and injected 
under the skin with a hypodermic syringe, following directions 
carefully. Vaccine and instruments can be purchased through 
any reliable druggist. The experiment stations in many of the 
states where the disease is prevalent, prepare the vaccine and 
send it to those applying for it, with full directions for its use. 
While one vaccination may carry an animal through its susceptible 
period, it is safer to vaccinate at least once each year until the 
animal is two years old. Calves need not be vaccinated until they 
approach six months of age. Some recommend vaccinating fat 
calves oftener than once a year. 

Inasmuch as vaccination is such an effectual preventive, it is 
not wise to rely upon other preventives, although the following 
is said to have some preventive value : 

Sulphur lo pounds. 

Saltpeter 3 pounds. 

Sulphate of Iron.... 6 pounds. 

Air-slaked Lime 3 potmds. 

Mix thoroughly, and use i pound of the 
mixture in i gallon of salt ; this to be given to 
the animal in place of common salt. 

HiEMORRHAGIC SEPTICAEMIA.— While, perhaps, 
this disease is not entirely confined to cattle, it is much more 
common with them than with the other animals. At the present 
time there is not much known about the disease, except that it 
generally runs to a fatal termination. Just how widelj^ distrib- 
uted it is, is hard to say, as in many cases it may have been 
diagnosed as some other disorder, as anthrax, black leg, corn 
stalk disease, etc. 

Causes. — The disease is caused by germs, and hence is con- 
tagious ; but, just how it is spread, or how the organisms gain 
entrance into the body is not known, but it has been demon- 
strated that the disease is caused by at least one specific organism, 
and perhaps others may cause closely related conditions. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 519 

Symptoms. — The symptoms presented with the disease are 
not very characteristic, and may vary somewhat ; it generally 
runs a rapid course, and terminates fatally within thirty-six 
hours; it may, however, take on a somewhat chronic form. 
In the acute form, towards the last, at least, the animal shows 
great weakness or paralysis; the temperature remaining about 
normal. The conditions found in an after-death examination 
are quite characteristic, the most noticeable being the hemor- 
rhages, or blood-stained areas which have distinct borders, and may 
be small red spots, or large blood-stained surfaces. These are 
seen just under the skin, the muscles looking as though they had 
been slightly bruised ; they may be found on the pleura covering 
the ribs, lungs or diaphragm; or on the intestines, or the peri- 
toneum lining the abdominal cavity, or on the mesentery which 
supports the intestines. The spleen is not enlarged, which 
distinguishes it from anthrax, and there is not the external 
swelling, filled with offensive gas, which distinguishes it from 
black-leg. 

Treatment. — 

As yet nothing has been found to be of value along this line, 
and the only practical suggestions that can be given is to separate 
the healthy from the sick, and use disinfectants freely, disposing 
of the dead the same as with those dying of anthrax or black-leg. 

The foregoing is a short summary of a bulletin by Dr. 
Reynolds, published by the Minnesota Experiment Station, which 
gave the result of Dr. Reynolds' study of a number of outbreaks 
of the disease in Minnesota during the past three years. 

TUBERCULOSIS.— Tuberculosis is a contagious disease 
that may attack any animal, though it is found mostly in cattle. 
It is distinguished by the formation, in the various organs of the 
body, of nodules or tubercles having a characteristic appearance, 
which contain the germ called Bacillus Tuberadosis, or Tubercle 
Bacillus. 

Cause. — The cause is a germ, or bacterium, as above noted. 
The germs are always present in an animal having the disease. 
Any condition which weakens the animal's system lessens the 



520 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

power of resistance to the disease. As a result of the drain due 
to the production of large quantities of milk, tuberculosis is per- 
haps more common among dairy cows, but any animal is apt to 
contract the disease if exposed to the contagion. 

The disease is important, not only on account of the loss of 
the cattle, but because of its relation to the health of the general 
public who use milk. The milk from cows that are badly affected 
with tuberculosis, and especially if the udder is affected, is con- 
sidered a dangerous food, as it may be the means of conveying 
the disease to people using it, unless it is pasteurized by heating 
to a temperature of 1 85 degrees F. At present there is a difference 
of opinion among bacteriologists as to whether tuberculosis in 
cattle and consumption in man are exactly the same — that is, 
caused by exactly the same germ or not. But until it is positively 
proven that they are not, it is safest to consider them as the same, 
and as communicable to each other. 

Symptoms. — Owing to the fact that the disease may attack 
almost any part of the body, there are a great variety of symp- 
toms; the severity of the attack is also a great modifying factor. 
The lungs are attacked the most frequently; the liver, spleen, 
diaphragm or midriff, lymphatic glands, bones or joints, may also 
be the seat of the disease. In case the lungs are attacked, and 
become badly diseased, the animal is out of condition and falls 
away in flesh; appetite is capricious; coat is rough and staring; 
eyes are sunken and dull. There is usually a cough, that is 
especially noticeable when animal is first disturbed in the morning, 
or when turned out to exercise. There is often a discharge from 
nose and eyes, that from the latter drying at the inner corners. 
These symptoms are by no means diagnostic, as other diseases 
cause them. In fact, there are no diagnostic symptoms; some- 
times an animal will be badly affected with the disease and give 
no indication of it in its general appearance. The only means of 
diagnosing the disease with any degree of certainty, is to test 
with tuberculin. The disease is contracted by the germs of this 
disease entering the system of a healthy animal through wounds; 
by being taken in with the food or water, or by being inhaled 
and taken in through the lungs; mainly by the last two methods. 
Sucking calves may get the germs in the milk -from a tuberculous 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 521 

cow, in addition to the above methods. The discharges from the 
nose which contain the germs, being dried, are inhaled by healthy- 
animals in the form of dust, thus producing the disease. In rare 
cases the disease is congenital, the calf contracting it before birth. 
In after-death examination, the diseased tissue appears as 
lumps, or nodules, in or on the organs affected. If these lumps, 
which are rather hard, are cut open, they will be found to contain 
a yellow, granular substance, which, when cut into, seems to be 
gritty. In some cases it has turned to pus, with lumps of cheesy 
material in it. In some cases the disease appears as a fibrous 
growth, in reddish bunches, on the outside of the organ or part 
affected, giving the characteristic appearance when cut into. 
These tubercles vary in size from that of a pinhead, to the size of 
a man's double fist, or even larger. They may be scattered quite 
freely throughout the body, or there may be only a few. The 
tubercular deposit is often found in some of the lymphatic glands, 
the ones just back and above the pharynx, or in those between 
the lungs, or along the border of the intestines, or in the 
udder. These glands, when healthy, vary in size from a bean to 
that of a man's thumb, and when cut open, are solid and of a 
brownish color — when affected with disease they are enlarged, 
sometimes very much so, and show the characteristic, granular, 
yellow material when cut open. The tubercles are often found 
attached to the pleura lining the ribs, or masses of the material 
may be found in the liver, spleen, lungs, or any other organ of 
the body. In some cases the womb is literally lined with small 
tubercles. 

Treatment. — 

There is no known treatment that cures the disease, but 
there are preventive measures that are of value. The best method 
of preventing the disease, is to keep healthy cattle from coming 
in contact with affected ones, or with stalls, food, feed boxes, and 
drinking places that are infected. If, for any reason, an animal 
is suspected of having the disease, or the symptoms are plainly 
manifest, it should be isolated from the others and the quarters 
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with strong disinfectants, and 
whitewashed. 



522 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Aside from protecting cattle from disease germs, the best 
means of prevention is the keeping of animals healthy and 
vigorous. While the disease will never develop without the 
presence of the infection, weakened animals will contract the 
infection quicker. Quarters that are dark, damp, filthy, and 
badly ventilated, are hotbeds for the propagation of the disease 
when it is once introduced, and in such stables the disease spreads 
much more rapidly than in a stable that is dry, well lighted ana 
well ventilated. Sunlight is known to be a great disinfectant, 
and germs of this disease are killed when exposed to the direct 
rays of the sun for a few hours. An abundance of fresh air is 
also very important in the preservation of the health of animals, 
as it brings oxygen, carries away waste, and keeps stables dry. 
With cattle in good health, and well cared for in good stables, the 
disease will spread rather slowly, if by chance it is introduced. 

The Tuberculin Test. — The most accurate means of detect- 
ing tuberculosis is by testing cattle with tuberculin, called the 
tuberculin test. Tuberculin is a liquid which represents the 
poison which is produced by the tubercle bacilli, but as prepared it 
contains no germs, so is incapable of producing the disease. 
The test depends upon the fact that if the animal has the disease, 
in from six to twelve hours after injecting the tuberculin, a rise 
in temperature, or fever, follows, which lasts a few hours and 
then subsides. The test is applied as follows : The temperature 
of the animal to be tested is taken every two hours throughout 
the day to determine its normal temperature; at about lo o'clock 
in the evening the required amount of tuberculin is injected 
under the skin, generally in the region of the neck; six or seven 
hours after the injection is made, the taking of the temperature 
should again be commenced, and taken every hour or two 
throughout the day. If the animal has the disease, some time 
between six and twenty hours after the injection, the temperature 
will commence to rise, will gradually increase for a few hours, 
and then gradually go back to normal, generally getting back 
to normal toward evening. The rise of temperature may be 
from 2 to 6 degrees. If the temperature rises 2 or more degrees 
higher after the injection than it was before, it is considered a 
sign of tuberculosis; a rise of i V2 degrees is looked upon as being 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 523 

suspicious. If the animal is free from the disease, the temper- 
ature should not rise higher after the injection than the highest 
before the injection. Besides the rise of temperature, the affected 
animal often has a chill just as the temperature commences to 
rise. 

Points to be Observed in Making the Test, — Keep the 
animal under her accustomed conditions during the test; on this 
account, a time of year when the animal is accustomed to being in 
the stable, is better than a time when she is at pasture and has to 
be taken up. Do not give a large amount of water or feed at any 
one time during the test; give a little, more frequently; especially 
is this true of cold water, after the injection. If a reaction takes 
place, be sure nothing else has entered in to cause it. Do not 
test an animal while in heat, or for a month before or after par- 
turition. The test does no harm at these times, but is not 
reliable. 

The test is not infallible, but it is by far the best means of 
diagnosing the disease that we have. Badly diseased animals 
will sometimes not respond, but in such cases their condition is 
such as to warrant their destruction. Occasionally an animal 
will respond that is not diseased, but this is rare if due care has 
been exercised. 

One test destroys the effect of subsequent tests for a year, 
hence, in suspicious cases, a re-testing cannot be given inside of 
nine months. The test in no way injures a healthy animal; it 
may cause one that has the disease to break down more rapidly, 
but this is not always true. 

The test should always be applied by a veterinarian, or by 
some one having experience with the use of the thermometer and 
hypodermic syringe. The dose of tuberculin depends upon its 
strength — different firms prepare different strengths. 

All animals having the disease best be destroyed, as no cura- 
tive treatment is known. The test in no way indicates the degree 
of the infection, and so the animal that responds may be very 
dangerous from a standpoint of spreading the disease, or it may 
not be so dangerous. While healthy calves can be got from 
affected animals by removing them from the cows as soon as 



524 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

dropped, in but few cases will it pay, as the expense of keeping 
the diseased by themselves is too great, and then there is always 
some danger that the infection will in some way be carried to 
the healthy animals. 

If a herd is tested and some respond, the stable should be 
thoroughly cleaned, disinfected by solutions and by fumigating 
(see "Disinfection," page 66), and then whitewashed. After- 
wards the herd should be tested once a year for three or four 
5'ears. No new animals should be introduced into the herd until 
after they are tested. 

While this disease is not very prevalent, taking the country 
at large, yet many herds are affected, and it is always safest, 
especially when high prices are paid for pure-bred cattle, to buy 
them subjtct to the test. 

LUMP-JAW — B I G- J A W ; ACTINOMYCOSIS. - 

This disease is due to a vegetable organism that gains entrance 
to the tissues, and growing, produces a lump, or tumor, which 
may grow to a large size. The disease generally affects the 
upper or lower jaws, but may affect the tongue (when it is called 
" wooden tongue"), or other parts of the body. The tumors are 
not infrequently found about the throat, just back of the lower 
jaw. The disease is also found in the lungs. 

Causes. — The disease is caused by the organism known as 
the actinomyces, or ray fungus. The fungus grows on plants 
and it is supposed that it gains entrance into the body by being 
taken in with the food, entering through some wound, a scratch, 
perhaps, inflicted by harsh food, or about the teeth at shedding 
time. The disease is rarely, if ever, transmitted directly from one 
animal to the other. While the pus from the tumors contains 
the fungus, yet for some reason it does not have the power to 
produce the disease even when injected directly into another 
animal. The only way to transmit the disease directly from one 
animal to another, is to introduce a piece of the diseased tissue 
itself underneath the skin of another animal; this course would 
never occur naturally. The disease cannot be strictly called 
contagious, and the only way that the diseased animal can be a 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 525 

means of spreading the disease, is by the fungus in the discharg- 
ing pus, when discharged upon grass, growing and regaining its 
vitaHty, and becoming a source of infection to others, through the 
food. On this account it would be best not to allow animals with 
running sores to run at pasture, where other animals are to be 
pastured. 

Symptoms. — The first symptom is a slight swelling, such as 
might come from an injury, usually appearing upon the upper or 
lower jaw, but as before stated, may form in other places. Where 
the bone is affected, the enlargement is due to the outward bulging 
of it, and when the soft tissues are affected, it is due to an 
increased growth of the tissue, as a result of the inflammation 
and irritation that the growing fungus produces. As the disease 
advances the tumor grows, and finally breaks, discharging a 
thick, sticky pus, but causing little diminution in the size of 
the growth; the wound may heal over, but it gradually becomes 
larger and breaks again. The only peculiarity about the pus is 
that it contains small, hard, yellow grain-like particles, not 
much larger than the point of a pin; these can best be seen by 
spreading a thin layer of pus on a piece of glass. If the jaw is 
affected, the teeth, in affected part, may become sore and interfere 
more or less with eating. Sometimes the disease develops very 
slowly, sometimes rapidly. The case represented in the cut was 
six months developing. When the bone is affected it becomes 
very porous. The only positive diagnosis of the disease is to 
have the pus examined with a microscope for the fungus. 

Treatment. — 

If the tumor is free from the bone and away from large 
blood vessels, the best treatment is to dissect it out, cutting well 
back so as to be sure and get it all, and after removing the tumor, 
apply a caustic around the inside of the sack to slough out any 
that may be left — Caustic Potash can be used, rubbing it around 
in the interior. Leave the wound open, so if growth starts it can 
be sloughed out. After the slough comes out, apply to the sore, 
once a day, the Iodine Ointment. (See Prescriptions, in 
back part of book.) If the tumor has pus in it, open it and 
let the pus out, and then slough out the interior as above. There 



526 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

are sloughing preparations in the market which, if used early, 
will kill the fungus and reduce the size of the tumor. Fleming 
Brothers, Union Stock Yards, Chicago, put out one of these 
preparations. 

Along with the external treatment, it is well to use Iodide 
of Potash internally. The drug is given until a condition known 
as "iodism' ' is produced; this is recognized by the animal going off 
its feed, eyes and nose discharging, hair becomes harsh and 
rough, skin harsh and wrinkled, especially on top of the neck, 
and a large amount of dandruff in the hair — large bran-like 
flakes. When these symptoms are plainly produced, the medi- 
cine is discontinued for a time. If symptoms are very marked, 
give a dose of Epsom Salts, and also a tablespoonful of Saltpeter 
twice a day for a few days. After two or three weeks repeat the 
treatment. To give the drug, dissolve 2 ounces of Iodide of 
Potash in a pint of water, and give i ounce of this solution in Yz 
pint of water twice a day for a few days, and then three times a 
day until the iodism symptoms are produced. 

As to using the meat of an animal affected with this disease: 
If the disease is localized about the head and does not produce 
any constitutional disturbance, there would be nothing unwhole- 
some about the meat, discarding quite a large portion in the 
vicinity of the tumor. There would be nothing unwholesome 
about the milk until the animal became constitutionally affected. 

In case of operations, if possible have a veterinarian perform 
them. 

HYDROPHOBIA— RABIES.— It seems unnecessary to 
repeat the general statements regarding this disease in the Horse 
Department of this work (page 227), The disease is, of course, 
incurable, and from its dangerous nature, a suspected animal 
should be immediately confined, and as soon as the symptoms 
become pronounced, it should be killed, and the carcass buried. 

COW POX— VARIOLA VACCINNiE.— This is a con- 
tagious disease similar to, if not identical with, as is claimed by 
some, small pox of the human family. A heifer inoculated with 
small pox virus, will have a disease identical with cow pox, and 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 527 

when men are vaccinated with cow pox, the resulting disease is 
similar to a very mild form of small pox, and renders immunity 
to small pox. The question of identity does not seem well set- 
tled. The fluid from the pustules of cow pox is the material 
used to vaccinate people against small pox. Disease may be 
transmitted to man by sores on the hand when milking an affected 
cow. 

Symptoms. — Cow pox, or kine pox, is a specific disease, prob- 
ably produced by some kind of an organism, and develops in from 
three to nine days after inoculation, showing itself by a slight 
fever for a couple of days, which may be overlooked, then breaks 
out in pimples on the teats and udder, and may extend to the 
flanks, escutcheon, and around the vulva, nose, mouth and eyes. 
These pimples, red at first, enlarge from day to day, until they 
reach a diameter of one-half to one inch, and become yellow. A 
distinct blister forms, breaks, runs a yellowish lymph, which 
contains the active virus of the disease, dries up, a scab forms 
over it, which leaves a pit when it comes off. The only trouble 
to be had from the disease in cattle is in milch cows, from the 
teats getting sore. These are covered with small blisters, that 
may become confluent — run together — rendering milking a very 
painful operation. 

Treatment. — 

Disease runs its course in from ten to twenty days, and little 
treatment is necessary, except to keep the parts soft by some 
healing ointment. Oxide of Zinc Ointment is good. After 
milking, apply a little White Lotion (see Prescriptions, in back 
of book), also Carbolic Acid lotion, and follow that with Zinc 
ointment, or some of the preparations recommended under 
' ' Chapped or Sore Teats." The following solution is also recom- 
mended as a wash: 

Hyposulphite of Soda 2 ounces. 

Water i pint. 

Mix and wash frequently. 

When the udder is greatly inflamed, bathe with hot w'ater, 
as for " Inflammation of the Udder," and give the same drugs 
internally as for that disease. In milking, animals affected with 



528 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

cow pox should always be milked last, in order that the disease 
may not be conveyed to the healthy cows. After milking, the 
hands of the milker should be carefully washed and disinfected. 
A milking tube may be used when the teats are sore and give 
very much pain. Milk from cows with cow pox should not be 
used for food. 

Sometimes when the disease breaks out in a herd, all the 
cows are vaccinated on some part of the body away from the 
udder, as the hips or neck, in which case the sores are not apt to 
form on the teats and udder, and do not interfere with the milk- 
ing process. 



GENERAL DISEASES OF THE BLOOD 



PLETHORA. — This may be defined as a very rich con- 
dition of the blood; it is conducive to very many serious results 
by interfering with the circulation, especially that through the 
vital organs, rendering them inert and unable to eliminate from 
the system the waste material which at such a time exists in 
increased amount. When left in the system, these impurities 
lead to blood poison, to congestion and inflammations in case of 
disease, thus greatly increasing dangers attending disorders of all 
kinds. 

Causes. — Are rich, stimulating food, such as oil-cake, corn, 
and other grains, rich pastures, in fact anything that fattens very 
fast, especially if the animal does not get exercise enough. Of 
course the condition is normal up to a certain point whenever 
animals are fattened; when pushed too far, however, the system 
becomes an easy prey to disease — rheumatism, inflammation of 
the feet, and other disorders are apt to occur. 

Symptoms. — Unusuall)^ rapid improvement, exuberant spirits, 
sleek hair, loose skin, and tendency to fatten rapidly. Occasion- 
ally slight fever may be seen, at first of short duration, but 
increasing with each attack, until violent congestion occurs, fol- 
lowed by inflammation of some part of the body. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 529 

Treatment. — 

Deplete the animal by giving a good purgative, ij^ to 2 
pounds of Epsom Salts dissolved in 2 or 3 quarts of water. Also 
give a tablespoonful of Saltpeter three times a day, and cut down 
on the feed. Aside from this give treatment for the special dis- 
ease which develops. 

ANiEMIA. — This is a condition of the body when there is 
a deficiency of blood, or blood corpuscles, the reverse of plethora, 
seen in animals from a lack of sufficient or proper kinds of food, 
especially when this lack is accompanied by exposure to the 
weather, or impoverishment of lice or other parasites; also the 
result of wasting diseases. It is apt to lead to purpura hemor- 
rhagica, rheumatism, etc., and always predisposes to lice or other 
parasites. 

Sympto?ns. — The animal is weak, unthrifty and dull, and the 
mucous membranes of the eye and nose are very pale. 

Treatment. — 

If infested with lice or other vermin, destroy by treating as 
directed under proper heading, and give the following Iron tonic: 

Liquid Chloride of Iron 3 ounces. 

Quinine i ounce. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: i ounce in J^ pint of water, 
mixed in the grain, three times a day. 

Use for two weeks, then discontinue and use tonics, as recom- 
mended for " Chronic Indigestion." Give a liberal amount of 
good feed. 

RHEUMATISM.— 

Causes. — The immediate cause of rheumatism is a peculiar 
kind of acid that has accumulated in the system, and which has 
a tendency to produce inflammation around the joints, along the 
sheaths of the tendons, and in the synovial membranes. The 
exciting causes are over-feeding, rendering the system too pre- 
thoric, or exposure to cold and dampness from want of shelter 
and poor stabling. 



530 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Forms. — In the acute form, which is the most common, the 
affected parts swell, and often suppurate, discharging quantities 
of pus and with it more or less synovial fluid. It often extends to 
the bones and the membranes covering them, when it takes on 
what is called a chronic form, and more or less bony growth is 
thrown out, which may stifEen the joint. The disease also often 
extends to the chest, and settles in pleura, heart, etc., and some- 
times causes fatal diseases of the latter organ. The disease may 
affect the muscles, causing them to be sore and stiff, and some- 
times to contract and distort a part. 

Symptoms. — There is lameness, stiffness and disinclination to 
move, and a staring coat. After this a joint — or perhaps more 
than one — begins to swell, and is found to be hot, hard and 
painful. A day later some other joint may be found swollen, or 
perhaps another leg is affected, the disease showing a tendency 
to go from one place to another. There is considerable fever, 
with high pulse, reddened mucous membranes, and an inclination 
to remain lying down. Bowels are apt to be constipated, and the 
urine scanty and high colored. Abscesses may form and discharge 
pus. 

Treatment. — 

Keep animal in a dry, warm stable, with ample bedding. 
Apply dry heat to the affected parts in the form of hot water 
bottles, or hot salt bags, covering with woolen blanket. Also 
bathe affected parts with some soothing lotion, as: 

Soap Liniment 3 ounces. 

Witch Hazel 2 ounces. 

Turpentine i ounce. 

Laudanum 2 ounces. 

Shake. Apply twice a day with liberal rub- 
bing. 

Internally give the following: 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite i>^ drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum Seed i ounce. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, three times a day. 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 531 

Also give I to 2 drachms of Salol three times a day, in a little 
thin gruel. Keep the bowels loose with occasional doses of Epsom 
Salts, and give a laxative diet. 

URiEMIA.— This disease is the result of th- kidneys and 
bladder not performing their functions in a right manner, and the 
urine is absorbed back into the system, causing a poisoning of 
the blood from an accumulation of urea. 

Symptoms. — There is loss of appetite, dullness, and a failure 
to secrete the urine; the nose and mouth are dry, and the former 
is fetid; rumination ceases, the coat stares, and a smell of urine 
is detected on the skin; the pulse and respiration become slow, 
and the former is soft; pupils of the eyes are dilated, and delirium, 
stupor, and death follow. 

Treatment. — 

Examine the urinary organs very carefully to discover, if 
possible, the cause, and then give treatment to remove same. 
Give large quantities of Ivinseed tea to drink, and as a mild pur- 
gative the following: 

Epsom Salts — i pound. 

Ginger i ounce. 

Water to make 2 quarts. 

Mix, and give as one dose. 

Also give 2 ounces of Liquor Ammonia Acetatis, three times 
a day. 

Feed on a laxative diet. Study over the diseases of the 
urinary organs and try and find out which is operating to cause 
the trouble, and treat accordingly. 

PYiEMIA AND SEPTICiEMIA— (BLOOD POL 

SONING.) — This is a condition that results from absorbing into 
the system, putrid, poisonous matter, or pus, especially that 
from an ulcer, or suppurating surface. 

Sympt(nns. — There is high fever, with increased temperature; 
the pulse is hard and fast, and the breathing is quickened; the 
breath is fetid; rumination is suspended and appetite lost; coat is 



532 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

staring; rapid loss of flesh, and in fatal cases delirium. There is also 
the abscess, or wound, from which the poison is absorbed, which, 
if situated externally, can be seen; if the abscess is internal it 
will be overlooked. 

Treatmeni-. — 

Find the cause, if possible, and if a sore of any kind con- 
taining confined pus, let it out and dress the wound with a 3 per 
cent, solution of Carbolic Acid, applying it two or three times a 
day, using a syringe; if on the surface, bind on a sponge wet with 
the solution; give internally the following: 

Liquid Chloride of Iron 3 ounces. 

Quinine I ounce. 

Saltpeter 4 ounces. 

Water to make i quart. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, in i pint of water, 

three or four times a day. 
Also give, alternating the doses with the foregoing, the following: 

Fluid Extract Digitalis 6 drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract Colchicum Seed xy^ ounces. 

Alcohol Bounces. 

Water to make i pint. 

Dose: i ounce, three or four times a day. 

Give a mild purgative in the form of i pound of Epsom Salts 
and feed on a laxative but nourishing diet. 

PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA.— This is a specific 
blood disease, that is somewhat common in horses, but rare in 
cattle. 

Causes. — It is caused by an impoverished condition, more 
especially, of the blood, which becomes deficient in some of its 
elements, and oozes through the coats of the blood vessels, and 
produces swellings in the more dependent parts of the body, 
causing swelling of the legs, and bell}^ and also of the head. 
(See description of the disease in the Horse Department) . 

Treatment. — 

Give the same treatment as recommended for the horse, 
giving from one and one-half to twice the dose given to the horse. 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 533 

HAEM ATURIA— RED WATER.— As the name implies, 
this is a disease in which the urine becomes red in color, due 
either to the presence of blood itself, or to the red coloring mat- 
ter of the blood, which is set free and thrown off by the kidneys, 
as a result of the breaking down of the red blood corpuscles from 
various causes. 

Cajises. — If blood itself is present, this is due to inflamma- 
tion or some disease of the urinary organs themselves — injuries 
to the loins, strains, calculi in bladder or kidneys, etc. If the 
urine is simply colored by the coloring matter, it may be due to 
some specific disease, as Texas fever; or it maj^ be due to an 
impoverished condition of the system, as the result of poor feed, 
especially the pasturing of cattle continuously on certain kinds of 
low, swampy lands. The condition may also be due to eating 
poisonous plants, which irritate the kidneys, or using medicines 
too freely, which act upon these organs. 

Symptoms. — There is the colored condition of the urine, 
which varies from a light red to a dark brown, and in some cases 
it is much increased in quantity. If blood itself is present, there 
will be the symptoms of the disease of the urinary organs, causing 
the trouble (see Diseases of the Urinary Organs). If the 
trouble is due to some specific disease, as Texas fever, the symp- 
toms of that disease will be present. If due to an impoverished 
condition, there will be unthriftiness; animal will become weak; 
pulse will be weak; anaemia will be present; the animal will 
become poor in flesh, and unless the condition is corrected, death 
will occur. 

Treatment. — 

If due to the blood, treat the disease causing it. If from a 

specific disease, treat that. If from an impoverished condition of 

the system, give first-class nourishing food; if from running on low 

pastures, change to higher and better. Also give tonics, especially 

the Iron tonics as recommended for "Chronic Indigestion." If 

animal is very low, give the following for a week or two, and 

then change to the tonics as recommended above: 

Liquid Chloride of Iron 3 ounces. 

Quinine i ounce. 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose : i ounce, in a pint of water, 
three times a day. 



534 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Alternate with these doses the following: 

Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract of Gentian 3 " 

Fowler's Solution of Arsenic 10 " 

Water to make i pint. 

Shake. Dose : i ounce in a little water, 
three times day. 

If the heart is weak, give 2 ounces of Alcohol in ^ pint of 
water, two or three times a day. 

HOLLOW HORN AND WOLF IN THE TAIL.— 

These imaginary diseases, which in the past were supposed to be 
the cause of a great many deaths among cattle and which were 
treated by boring a hole into the horn and pouring in all sorts of 
irritating substances; or slitting open the tail and filling the cut 
with Ihe substances, are now known by nearly every one to be 
purely imaginary, but as we still occasionally hear them referred 
to, they are mentioned in this connection. The horns of nearly all 
cattle are hollow, and the fact that a horn is hot or cold indicates 
but little in diagnosing disease. If the tail shows anything wrong, 
salt and pepper will be of no value. Tone the animal up, or if 
an abscess forms, as of course it might from various causes, treat 
as any other abscess; some little irritation or disorder about the 
tail need not be looked upon as the cause of constitutional dis- 
turbances. Do not be guilty of such foolish and barbaric opera- 
tions as those referred to above. 

ABSCESSES.— Commonly these are called " gatherings." 
They are accumulations of "matter," or pus, in cavities within 
the tissues of the body. There are two kinds, classed as " acute" 
and " cold." Acute abscesses form rapidly, and are accompanied 
by marked inflammation, with heat, pain, redness, and swelling. 
Cold abscesses are of a chronic nature, forming gradually without 
marked symptoms of inflammation until they are of considerable 
size. Abscesses are caused by some injury, by bacteria, foreign 
bodies, or irritants within the tissues. 

Treatment. — 

There are two methods used in the treatment of abscesses: 
The absorption, or "scattering" treatment, and the "drawing 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 535 

to a head " method. In some cases it is a good plan to try and 
' ' scatter ' ' the abscess by rubbing and by applying remedies to 
absorb the pus, or fluid. Rubbing with a stimulating liniment, 
or applying light blisters, is useful. Iodine, either as tincture 
or ointment (see Prescriptions, in back of book) may be applied 
daily until the skin gets sore, and then stop application for a few 
days, and then apply again. This is good in the removal of 
bunches and enlargements, but best be applied when there is no 
acute inflammation in the part. The second method, and the 
one generally used, is to encourage the formation cf pus, as an 
abscess is usually an effort on the part of nature to rid the body 
of some injurious substance. Bathing, or fomenting, the affected 
part with hot water and the applying of poultices to soften and 
soothe the tissues, assist materially in ' ' drawing abscess to a 
head." As soon as pus, or matter, is detected in the tissues — 
which is indicated by a soft fluctuating feeling when the part is 
manipulated under the fingers — the abscess should be opened. 
To do this use a sharp-pointed knife, taking the blade firmly 
between the thumb and forefinger about the distance from the 
point that it will be necessary to insert knife-point to reach the 
pus cavity. Insert quickly at the lowest part, so there will be 
no pocket, and the pus will all drain out. Make opening large 
enough to allow pus to escape freely and then wash out and treat 
cavity. Abscesses should always be thoroughly examined for 
foreign bodies, such as sticks, pieces of bone, and the like, and if 
found should be removed. When cavity is empty, wash out and 
treat with antiseptics freely. The incision should not be allowed 
to heal until cavity has healed from the bottom, or another 
abscess is likely to follow. Keep open by plugging with absorb- 
ent cotton, or tow. The hair below a wound should be well 
greased, and kept so, in order to prevent the discharges from 
irritating, or scalding, the skin. 

If an abscess is not opened, it will usually break and dis- 
charge of its own accord at last; but as the pus burrows into the 
tissues seeking an outlet, the early opening of the cavity greatly 
hastens the final recovery. In opening abscesses, care must be taken 
not to cut, by mistake, into a hernia or rupture, or into a joint 
or cavity containing synovial fluid or "joint oil." If the abscess 



536 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

is in the vicinity of large blood vessels or important organs, pre- 
cautions must be taken to prevent injury to them. In such places 
it is generally best for the inexperienced to continue poulticing 
until the abscess breaks of its own accord, after which it should 
be treated as above. 

POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES.— For symp- 
toms and treatment, see Horse Department (page 329). 

In case of antidotes, the dose for cattle is one-and-one-half 
to double the dose given to a horse of the same age. 



OPERATIONS 



With operations upon cattle, the same general principles 
should be carried out as given, under Operations, in Horse 
Department. Anaesthetics are used the same way. The same 
antiseptics — Carbolic Acid and the like — should be used freely 
on instruments, hands, and place of operating. Cattle can be 
secured by holding with the snap-ring "bull-dog," in the nose, 
or by putting head in stanchion; if operating about the hind limbs, 
tie the legs together with a piece of rope just above the hocks, 
crossing the rope between the legs like a figure 8, so that it will 
not slip down ; or cattle may be cast the same as the horse; or 
secured in the stocks. 

HOW TO RING A BULL.— First secure the bull by 
throwing him, or put him in a narrow stall. To insert the ring, 
first whittle a piece of wood so it may be entered into the nostril 
to meet the blow given on the punch. Select a hollow punch to 
make a hole corresponding to the ring. See that the bull is tied 
securely, if not thrown and secured, and let the assistant hold 
the piece of wood. Set the punch in the opposite nostril, low 
enough so it will not cut the cartilage (gristle) of the nose, and 
strike a smart blow, forming the hole. Put in the ring, set the 
screws tight and the work is done. Some burn the hole through 
the partition by using a red-hot, pointed iron. Have an assistant, 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 537 

with a glove on his hand, take hold of the nose and stretch it 
forward to open the nostrils, then push the iron through and 
jerk it back quickly. 

DEHORNING. — This consists in the application of some 
substance to tlie budding horns of calves that will prevent their 
growth, or in the removal of the horns by some surgical oper. 
ation. It is better to remove, or prevent the growth of, horns 
in calves than to wait until the animals have attained their 
growth. 

The best method of removing the horns is to apply Caustic 
Potash to the budding horn as soon as the button can be felt 
beneath the skin on the head of the calf; within a week after 
birth. The hair should be clipped off, the skin over the immature 
horn wet, and then well rubbed with the stick of Caustic Potash; 
the fingers being well protected from it by wrapping the stick 
with a paper. In applying the Caustic, use care to cover the 
whole button, for after the horn is started, it is difficult to remove 
with Caustic. Rub each button for about a quarter of a minute, 
let it dry, then wet the stick of Caustic a little and rub again the 
same length of time. Do not get too wet, or the Caustic may 
run down, making a large sore, or get into the eye. It is 
much better to use the Caustic than to gouge out the buttons, as 
is sometimes done. 

In removing the horns from the mature animal, the beast is 
confined in a stanchion, or chute, made for the purpose, a halter is 
put on the head, and the latter pulled well forward and to one 
side, and firmly held. The horn is then removed, either with a 
saw or with a dehorning shears made for that purpose. In 
removing the horn, a small ring of the hair is to be taken oflf with 
the base of the horn, or the horn will grow out as a stub. After 
the horn is removed, some Pine Tar with a little Carbolic Acid in 
it, may be applied, and a layer of clean cotton batting, which has 
been previously heated in an oven for a half hour or so, placed 
over the wound to stop the bleeding and keep out the dirt. If 
bleeding is bad, apply to the wound with a small brush a little 
Monsel's solution, or sear with a hot iron, or take hold the bleed- 
ing vessels with pincers and twist them. Cattle should not be 



538 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

dehorned when flies are bad, and, after dehorning, should not be 
allowed access to straw stacks where they can get chaff into the 
wounds. While dehorning causes pain at the time of the opera- 
tion, it does away with the inflicting of pain on other animals, as is 
also apt to be the case with some individuals. It is not necessary 
to applj' the cotton to the stubs after the horns are removed, and 
it best not be done unless the cotton is kept very clean and treated 
as above. If it is applied, and after two or three days there is any 
indication of pus collecting under it, remove it and wash the 
wound with an antiseptic solution, turning the head up sidewise 
to let any pus run out that may have formed in the cavity. 

BLEEDING. — This once very common operation, in both 
the human family and the lower animals, is not now performed at 
all with the human, and is fast becoming an operation of the past 
with animals, and should be so entirely, as it has no virtue as a 
curative agent. 

TAPPING THE CHEST.— This operation has for its 
object the removal of water in ' ' Hydrothorax. ' ' Clip off the hair 
from a spot about three inches back of the elbow, and on a level 
with it. Make an incision through the skin and muscles to about 
the depth of two inches, being careful to locate it so it will pass 
between two ribs, and not too close to the posterior aspect of the 
front one of the two — as near midway as possible. Now pass in 
the trocar and canula, withdraw trocar, and leave canula to draw 
off the water. Should any substance clog the canula, push it 
away with a probe. The other side may be tapped in the same 
way. A horse trocar is about the right size. Tte antiseptics 
should be used freely during the operation. The operation should 
be left to the veterinarian, as it is not always easy to tell when it 
should be performed. The after-treatment is to apply the anti- 
septics to the wound, two or three times a day. 

TAPPING THE BELLY.— This operation is to empty 
the abdominal cavity in case of "Ascites." Make the incision 
through the skin in the center line of the belly, just back of the 
navel, and just large enough to admit the trocar and canula; then 
insert the instrument into the cavity and let the fluid flow off. 
The same principles apply as in "Tapping the Chest." 



DISEASES OF CATTI.E 539 



TAPPING THE BLADDER OF OX OR BULL.— 

When it is necessary to draw the water of male cattle, an opening 
must be made at the point where the urethra turns over the angle 
of the pelvis, just below the anus, and the catheter introduced at 
this point. The incision should be made very carefully, and no 
larger than is really necessary to introduce the instrument. 
Dress the wound with a 3 per cent, solution of Carbolic Acid, 
twice daily. If it is desired that the opening heal up at once, 
it is advdsable to take a stitch in it. Sometimes, when the 
urethra is obstructed below,, it is left open, the animal urinating 
at this point. The curve of the urethra canal, when penis is not 
protruded, is what makes this operation necessary, as it renders 
the introduction of the catheter by the penis impossible. The 
operation should be left to a veterinarian. 

TAPPING THE PAUNCH, OR RUMEN.— This is an 

operation performed to relieve animals in severe cases of ' 'Tympa- 
nites, or Hoven," when medical treatment is of no avail. 

Find the center of a triangle made by the last rib, the anterior 
point of the hip, and the transverse processes of the lumbar spines 
on the left side, or where the bloat is most prominent. Insert the 
trocar at this point, directing it downward and inward obliquel}* , 
and it will pass directly into the paunch. Pull the trocai out and 
the gas will escape through the canula. Puncturing is not a 
serious operation in cattle, and in cases of great distension should 
be performed without hesitancy or delay. Relief is almost instan- 
taneous. The horse trocar and canula is large enough for cattle 
(see cuts of instruments, Miscellaneous Department). Have 
the point of the trocar sharp and use the antiseptics on instru- 
ment and point of tapping. Every stockman should have a trocar 
and canula. 

RUMENOTOMY.— The operation of opening the paunch, 
or rumen, in cattle and the removal of the contents of the same 
through the opening, is called rumenotomy. It should only be 
performed where the paunch is excessively overloaded and dis- 
tended. Clip the hair over the point on the left side, described in 
"Tapping the Paunch, or Rumen," and make an incision, running 
up and down, large enough to admit the hand. Use the Cocaine 



540 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

solution (see Operations, Horse; DEPi^RTMENT) . Open first 
the skin, then the muscles, and then the wall of the paunch. 
Insert a clean towel, wet in the antiseptic, and arrange it to cover 
the lower edge and part of each side of the wound, to keep the 
food from falling into the abdominal cavity. Now remove from 
the paunch with the hand, half or more of the material. 

Wash the edges of the wound with a little Carbolized warm 
water and sew it up with cat-gut sutures. Sew up the paunch 
first, putting in the stitches quite close together; then the mus- 
cles, then sew up the skin with silk. ' Dress the whole with 3 per 
cent, lotion of Carbolic Acid and water, keeping the parts wet 
nearly all the time. The cat-gut sutures will be absorbed. Feed 
animal on light, laxative diet for a week or more, and give a 
tablespoonful of Saltpeter two or three times a day. The opera- 
tion should always be left to the veterinarian when he can pos- 
sibly be had. 

CASTRATION.— See "Castration" in Diseases of Gen- 
erative Organs of the Buli. (page 457). 

SPAYING. — This is an operation to remove the ovaries of 
the cow. In young heifers it is best done in the flank. Fast the 
animai twenty-four hours. Secure the animal in the stocks. 
Clip the hair from the same place as for "Rumenotomy," and 
make an incision through the skin and muscles into the abdominal 
cavity, the same as in that operation, large enough to admit the 
hand. The rumen, being partially empty, will be forward, out of 
the way; pass the hand in, down and back and find the womb, 
follow it up to the end of the horn and find the ovary, one-half 
the size of a man's thumb; pass in a long ecraseur, slip the ovary 
through the loop in the chain and take it off, the same as the 
instrument is used in castrating colts. Be careful and do not drop 
the ovary. Take off both ovaries through the same opening. 
Stitch up the muscles with catgut, the skin with silk, the same 
as in "Rumenotomy;" the after-treatment is also the same. 

Cows can be operated upon through the vagina. Peritonitis 
sometimes follows the operation, in which case the symptoms 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 541 



and treatment would be the same as given under that head. This 
will rarely happen if antiseptics are used freely throughout the 
operation. 

The operation should be left to the veterinarian, or should 
not be attempted at least, until after it has been seen performed a 
number of times. 

CiESAREAN OPERATION.— This is sometimes de- 
manded, when the distortion and narrowing of the hip bones are 
such as to forbid the passage of the calf, or when inflammation 
has practically closed the natural passages and the progeny is 
more valuable and worthy of being saved than the dam; also in 
cases in which the cow has been fatally injured, or is ill beyond 
possibility of recovery and yet carries a living calf. It is too 
often a last resort after long and fruitless eiforts to deliver by the 
natural channels, and in such cases the saving of the calf is all 
that can be expected, the exhausted cow, already the subject of 
active inflammation, and too often also of putrid poisoning, is 
virtually beyond hope. The hope of saving the dam is greatest 
if she is in good health and not fatigued, in cases, for example, 
in which the operation is resorted to on account of broken hip 
bones or abnormally narrow passages. 

The stock owner will not attempt such a serious operation as 
this. Yet, where the mother has just died or is to be immediately 
sacrificed, no one should hesitate at resorting to it in order to 
save the calf. If the cow is to be sacrificed, a blow on the head 
with an ax will secure quietude. Then the prompt cutting into 
the abdomen and womb, and the extraction of the calf, requires no 
skill. The operation to save both cow and calf requires profes- 
sional skill, hence will not be described here. 

SUTURES AND BANDAGES.— Sutures are used in 
sewing wounds whenever it is desired to hold the edges together. 
The material generally used is silk, doubled once or twice, to 
make the cord large to prevent it from pulling out. Cat-gut 
is also used; it should be used where stitches cannot be taken out, 
as it will be absorbed; guitar or violin strings answer nicely for 
sutures. Pass the needle through the skin, about one-half inch 



542 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

back from the edge of wound, and tie so the edges are just 
brought together, leaving the ends about one-half inch in length. 
Bandages are particularly useful in wounds on the legs, since 
there the stitches will almost always pull out, unless thus rein- 
forced. For other details on the subjects, see Operations in 
the Horse Department. 

GIVING MEDICINE TO CATTLE.— (See cut)— To 
give cattle medicine, catch them by the nose, the thumb in one 
nostril, the forefinger in the other, and hold the nose up only a 
little above the level, and keep the head and neck straight with 
the body, put the nozzle of the bottle in the mouth and pour the 
medicine in slowly. If the head cannot be held with the hand, 
put the spring ring ' ' bull dog ' ' in the nose, tie a rope to it and 
put the other end of the rope through a ring overhead, and the 
head can be held up. 




GIVING THE SHEEP MEDICINE. 
Do not raise the nose but a little. 



SHEEP 

DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT 



CATARRH, OR COLD IN THE HEAD.— This is an 

inflammation of the mucous membrane which lines the nasal 
passages, and which sometimes extends down into the throat. 

Causes. — Exposure in cold rains and sleet, especially during 
the fall and spring seasons. It also occurs during the washing 
and shearing time. 

Symptmns. — There is a discharge from the nose, and affected 
animal keeps snuffling, sneezing and coughing; does not eat or 
feel well. 

Treatment. — 

The best course is to prevent such trouble by not having 
cause. Good, comfortable, well- ventilated quarters, that in bad 
weather are always accessible, will usually effect a cure without 
auy further treatment. In case it will not yield to this treatment, 
give the following mixture: 

Saltpeter 4 ounces 

Sulphur 4 " 

Gentian Root, powdered 4 " 

Mix and give twice a day, i teaspoonful in 
its feed; or if it will not eat, shaken with water 
from a bottle. 
Or, give Vz teaspoonful doses of Sulphate of Iron 3 times a 
day in its feed, or dissolved in water, from a bottle. Give 
soft food, keep dry, and wash off any discharges that accumu- 
late about the head. In very bad cases with valuable animals, 
steam the head as recommended for the horse. 

DISTEMPER, OR EPIZOOTIC CATARRH.— Malig- 
nant, epizootic catarrh is a disease that is accountable for the loss 
of many thousands of sheep. In the malignant form it is a con- 
gestion and inflammation of the nasal cavities, extending some- 
times into the stomach and bowels. 

543 



544 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Syviptoms. — At first there may be only a nasal discharge; 
animal appears dull and drooping; the eyes run a little and are 
partially closed; the pulse is slightly increased in frequency and 
is languid; more or less loss of appetite; breathing is not affected 
unless the bronchial tract is involved. After a few days, unless 
relieved, the symptoms become aggravated; the nasal discharge 
is thick and glutinous and sometimes tinged with blood; the eyes 
are nearly closed, with a thick, yellow secretion about them. 
There is great prostration and emaciation; the pulse is very weak; 
respiration is difi&cult; no appetite and animal soon dies. 

Treatment. — 

Put the sheep in warm, well-ventilated place, and if bowels 
are costive give the following: 

Carbonate Ammonia i ounce. 

Rhubarb I " 

Ginger 2 ounces. 

Gentian 2 " 

Simmer Rhubarb, Ginger and Gentian for 15 
minutes in i quart of water, and when cold add 
the Ammonia and cork bottle. 

Dose: 2 tablespoonsful three times a day. 

Also give Yq, teaspoonful doses of Saltpeter and 15 to 20 drop 
doses of Fluid Extract Belladonna three times a day. Give good 
nourishing food and drink, for without care medication is not 
of much value. Steam the head as described in Horse De- 
partment. 

HYDATIDS ON THE BRAIN.— The bladder worm 
which is the cause of this disease, is one of the larval stages of the 
tapeworm. The disease is spread by dogs, which eat the head of 
sheep that have died of this disease, and through their excrement 
spread it in fields and pastures where sheep run, where it is taken 
into the mouth in grazing. Dogs should not be allowed to eat 
uncooked heads, nor prowl in strange pastures. 

Symptoms. — Animal has a dull, moping way; will separate 
from the flock; is unsteady in gait, and will sometimes stop sud- 
denly and fall, and at other times run across the field, paying no 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 545 

heed to fence or ditch; after the disease has existed for some 
time, will almost constantly move in a circle. 
Treatment. — 

When the hazard and cruelty attending an operation are con- 
sidered, as well as the liability of a return of the trouble, except 
in the case of valuable sheep, the best way would be to kill the 
animal. 

In the case of valuable sheep, the veterinarian locates the 
hydatid and removes it by an operation. 

APOPLEXY. — A disease that is generally confined to fat 
or well-conditioned sheep. 

Symptoms. — The sheep leaps frantically into the air two or 
three times, dashes itself on the ground, then suddenly rises, and 
dies in a few minutes. 

Treatment. — 

When a fat sheep seems dull and partially unconscious of 
surroundings; nostrils and pupils of eyes dilated; membranes 
of the nose deep red or violet; pulse hard and breathing stertorous; 
apply cold water or pounded ice to the head and give 20 drop 
doses of Fluid Extract of Belladonna every hour for three or 
four doses, then once in three or four hours; also give 2 ounces 
Epsom salts, and follow this with an ounce every six hours till 
a full evacuation of the bowels is secured. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.— Is caused by 
the same conditions that bring on apoplexy, and is often a 
secondary effect of that disease. The sheep is dull and inactive; 
eyes are red and protruding, and as the symptoms become intensi- 
fied, the animal rushes about in the wildest delirium. The gen- 
eral treatment is the same as in apoplexy. 

SWELLED HEAD.— 

Catises. — This may arise from a variety of causes — snakes, 
insects, etc. 
Treatment. — 

In the case of snakes the animal is usually dead; but in case 
of venomous insects, cut the wool away from the affected parts 



546 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

and bathe with strong Saleratus water, or Ammonia water, and 
give internally, if necessary, the following until relieved: 

Chloral Hydrate yi drachm. 

Soft Water i 

Mix. Repeat every hour as needed. 

TETANUS, OR LOCK-JAW.— 

Causes. — There are various causes for this trouble, as inflam- 
mation after castration, injury to horns and hoofs, or from a 
wound in any part. 

Sympio7?is. — If able to walk at all, the animal does so with 
great difficulty; muscles become hard and limbs stiff, the jaws 
"become set, and death generally follows 

Treatment. — 

Medical treatment is of but little avail, the malady being 
usually fatal. Put the animal in a dark place alone. Then give 
three times a day 20 drops Fluid Extract Belladonna on the 
tongue. Warmth and quiet are necessary. When worse symp- 
toms are over, give gruel and soft, nourishing food. 

PARALYSIS, OR PALSY.— Paralysis, or palsy, is a 
diminution or loss of the powers of motion in some part of the 
body. It is somewhat rare, but sometimes occurs in the case of 
poor lambs, poor, pregnant ewes, and in those who have just 
lambed. 

Syniptojns. — The animal seems to have lost all strength in its 
loins, and the hindquarters are powerless; it makes ineffectual 
attempts to rise, but cannot stand on its feet. 

Treatment. — 

Make the animal warm and comfortable. Give warm gruel 
and a little Ginger as a stimulant. Three times a day give 20 
drops Fluid Extract Nux Vomica in a little water, and continue 
treatment for two or three weeks. If severe, clip off the wool 
and apply a blister of: 

Spanish Fly i drachm. 

Lard i ounce. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 547 

Along the spine from hip to shoulder, leaving on 24 hours. In 
most cases it would be more economical and equally humane to 
kill the animal at once. 

HYDROPHOBIA, OR RABIES.— Sheep are very liable 
to be bitten by dogs that are wandering in the grip of that dread 
disease. The dog and all sheep attacked should be killed at 
once. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES, OR OPHTHAL- 
MIA. — In cases where there is serious inflammation, apply to the 
eyes the following wash: 

Nitrateof Silver 5 grains. 

Soft Water i ounce. 

Laudanum 15 drops. 

Dissolve the Nitrate of Silver in the Water 
and add the Laudanum. 

Bathe eyes with hot or cold water three times a day, and 
apply lotion with a camel's hair brush twice a day. Equal parts 
of finely pulverized Boracic Acid and Calomel is good to dust into 
the eye. 

SORE THROAT.— 

Causes. — Are similar to those of Catarrh. 
Symptoms. — There is swelling and soreness about the throat; 
the animal stands with nose held elevated, and coughs, flinching 
as though to save itself; when drinking, the water returns through 
the nose. 
Treatment. — 

Rub the throat well with stimulating liniment. Feed with 
soft food placed so that the animal can eat with most comfort. 
Give the following mixture: 

Saltpeter 4 ounces. 

Sulphur 4 " 

Alum 2 " 

Camphor Gum 3 " 

Make into paste with molasses and flour, and 
give a teaspoonful on the tongue three or four 
times a day. 

Steam head as in Catarrh. 



548 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

BRONCHITIS.— This is an inflammation of the bronchial 
tubes, or air passages of the lungs. 

Causes. — Are the same as those of colds. 

Sympto77is. — The same as in colds in aggravated form, and 
attended with more fever, rapid pulse and a tenderness of the 
throat and belly when pressed upon. Animal will lie down most 
of the time, and a wheezing sound is heard at the bottom of the 
windpipe. Normal temperature of sheep is 102°, pulse 45. 

Treatment, — 

Keep animal quiet in a comfortable, well-ventilated place; 
give cold water in small quantities, with hot mashes and nourish- 
ing food. Give as a drench three times a day until better: 

Sweet Spirits of Niter % ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite Root 3 drops. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna... 10 to 20 " 

Mix in a teacupful tepid water, and do not 
raise head too high, nor allow animal to be- 
come choked. After two or three days, drop 
out Aconite and put 5 drops of Fluid Extract of 
Digitalis in its place. 

If very weak give: 

Whiskey 4 tablespoonfuls 

Ginger i teaspoonful. 

Oatmeal Gruel ^ pint. 

Repeat three times a day. 

2. Bronchitis. — Give salt in doses of from J^ to 2 ounces, 
with 6 to 8 ounces of lyime Water given at some other time of the 
day. 

FILARIA BRONCHITIS.— 

Causes. — This disease is caused by the presence of worms 
{Strongylus Fila7ia), which are found in the bronchial tubes, the 
windpipe, and sometimes in the lungs. 

Symptoms. — There is a dry, husky cough; quickened breath- 
ing, loss of appetite and flesh, and animal will rub its nose on the 
ground; dysentery with fetid discharges may be present. On 
examination worms may be found in lower end of windpipe and 
in the tubes which branch from it. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 549 

Treatment. — 

Give the following: 

Sulphate of Magnesia 6 ounces. 

Nitrate of Potash 2 " 

Sulphur 4 " 

Sulphate of Iron i ounce. 

3lix and give a small handful to each sheep in 
feed once a day for one week. Wait three 
weeks and repeat. 

Burn Sulphur or Turpentine so sheep will inhale the fumes, 
giving about the strength that a man could stand. 

2. Filaria Bronchitis. — Gn^e as a drench every third day 

until cured: 

Turpentine % ounce. 

Linseed Oil ^ teacup. 

Mix together. 

3. Filaria Bronchitis. — Inject into the windpipe with a 
hypodermic syringe the following: 

Carbolic Acid 5 drops. 

Chloroform 8 " 

Turpentine 15 " 

Olive Oil I drachm. 

Insert the needle of the syringe into the wind- 
pipe between two of the rings, well toward the 
upper part, and inject slowly. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS;PNEU- 
MONIA.— 

Causes. — Exposure to sudden cold, or from getting chilled in 
a cold rain, or from neglected cold in the head. 

Symptoms. — Animal is dull and ceases to ruminate; no appe- 
tite, but drinks greedily and its breathing is rapid and labored; 
eye is clouded; teeth are ground together to be heard at some 
distance; pulse at first is rapid and hard, but intermits, and at 
last it becomes weak. When fever is at height flanks heave 
violently; there is a hard, painful cough at first, which becomes 
weaker and seems more painful in the last stages. If wool is 
parted on the side and ear placed over the lung, a peculiar grat- 
ing sound is heard. 



550 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Put the animal in a warm, dry, but well-ventilated place, 
and if recently shorn, cover with blankets, otherwise do not, but 
avoid drafts. Give the following: 

Sweet Spirits of Niter >2 ounce. 

Ginger i teaspoonful. 

Fluid Extract Aconite Root 3 drops. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i o to 20 " 

Water yi pint. 

Repeat three times a day, being careful about 
choking, and allow plenty of time in taking. 
After three or four days replace the Aconite 
with Fluid Extract Digitalis, 5 to 8 drops. 

When better, if very weaii, give the following stimulant: 

Whiskey 2 ounces. 

Ginger i teaspoonful. 

Gruel Y2 pint. 

Repeat three times a day until sheep is well. 

Mashes, water often, but in small quantities, and good care, 
count for much in the treatment. 

SHEDDING TEETH.— While shedding teeth, when from 
one to two years old, there may be a cap of the grinders sticking 
en the new tooth, causing trouble in eating. 

Symptoms. — Animal does not thrive; seems willing to eat and 
takes food, but throws it out again; sometimes will be noticed 
working the tongue around in the mouth. 

Treatment. — 

Examine the mouth, and if there is a cap it will project more 
than the teeth adjoining. Remove with pincers, and animal 
will soon be in better condition. 

FOREIGN SUBSTANCES LODGED IN THE 
TEETH.— 

Caiises .Som&Wmos, in eating, sticks or other foreign matter 
get lodged in teeth. 

Symptoms. — Acts peculiar and keeps the tongue working 
around trying to dislodge the offending substance. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 551 

Treatment. — 

Catch and examine mouth, removing whatever is found, 
either with fingers or pincers. 

LOSS OF TEETH FROM AGE.— It sometimes happens 
that an old ewe that has lost some of her teeth is with lamb, and 
owing to the fact of having only two or three front teeth she gets 
thin, and there is poor prospect of her wintering and of yeaning. 

Treatment. — 

Catch the animal and pull out the few front teeth so that her 
gums may meet, and when healed she will be in condition to 
carry through. The few teeth interfered with her catching food, 
and with these out of the way, the gums will meet to take in the 
food for the grinders, which may be in fair condition. 

CHOKING.— 

Causes. — Generally from eating sliced roots. 
Symptoms. — Animal stops feeding; froths at the mouth; 
coughs; works its tongue; eyes are blood-shot; sometimes bloating. 

Treatment. — 

Give a swallow or two of melted lard with 20 drops of Fluid 
Extract of Belladonna, being very careful not to choke, and 
manipulate the obstruction externally with the hand, to move it 
up or down. If this plan fails use the probang, as described in 
the Cattle Department, using the utmost care and gentleness, 
or the laceration may cause death, even though the obstruction be 
removed. If a hollow probang is used, the I^ard and Belladonna 
may be poured through this directly onto the obstruction. 

BLOATING, HOVEN, TYMPANITES.— A distension 
of the paunch by gas, the product of fermentation. 

Causes. — From being turned out to clover or other succulent 
food when the stomach is empty; by eating frozen roots or grass; 
by chill from a copious drink of cold water. 

Symptoms. — Animal is uneasy, keeps getting up and down, 
and acts distressed. On examination the left side will be found 



552 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

to be bloated. If the wool over the paunch on left side be sepa- 
rated and the puffed-up surface be tapped with the fingers, it will 
give back a hollow, drum-like sound. 

Treatment. — 

In ordinary cases prolonged, but gentle driving will effect a 
cure. The following is also recommended for quick treatment: 

Epsom Salts 4 ounces. 

Sweet Spirits Niter Yz ounce. 

Hyposulphite of Soda Yzto i 

Ginger (a drachm equals a teaspoonful) i drachm. 

Water i pint. 

Mix and give as one dose. 

If not relieved in one-half hour give: 

Turpentine 3^ ounce. 

Raw Linseed Oil i teacupful. 

Mix and give as a drench. 

. If not relieved in one-half hour give as a drench: 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia 2 teaspoonf uls. 

Hyposulphite of Soda Y^to i ounce. 

Ginger i drachm. 

Repeat every two hours until relieved. 

When animal is swelled almost to bursting and will not 
move, it is better to open the paunch at once. At the most pro- 
tuberant point of the distension, on the left side, half way 
between last rib and hip bone, after having removed the wool, 
plunge the trocar and canula forward and downward into the 
paunch. The gas and some of the contents will pass out through 
the canula when trocar is drawn, and if obstructed by solid mat- 
ter, push away with a probe. When gas is out withdraw canula. 
A flexible probang, or in default, a rattan or grape-vine with 
knot on end, may be gently forced down the gullet and the gas 
allowed to escape. 

IMPACTION OF THE RUMEN, OR PAUNCH.— 

Causes. — From the animal getting food that it is not accus- 
tomed to, such as grain; and eating an unusually full meal; 
from a change of pasture, going from a lean to a verj^ good one; 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 553 

eating a poor quality of peas, straw, or clover hay, especially if 
musty or over ripe, is said to cause it. 

Symptoms. — No appetite; looks dull; grates its teeth; does 
not ruminate, and has a short, quick grunt in breathing, caused 
by the food in stomach pressing on the lungs; walks about 
stupidly; what passages there are, are hard and dry. By pressing 
the hand on the left side over the stomach, it is found hard; 
tapping on the spot gives a dull, heavy sound, showing presence 
of a mass of food. 

Treatment. — 

Give the following to move the bowels: 

Epsom Salts 4 to 6 ounces. 

Ginger i drachm. 

Bicarbonate of Soda i " 

Sweet Spirits Niter ^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Give as a drench. 

In eighteen hours, if it does not operate, give: 

Turpentine %. ounce. 

Raw Ivinseed Oil ^ pint. 

Rlix and give as a drench, and if no relief at 
the end of twelve hours more, repeat the first 
dose. 

Also give three or four times a day: 

Fluid Extract Nux Vomica 20 drops. 

Fluid Extract Jaborandi i teaspoonful. 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia 2 teaspoonfuls. 

And if much pain, 20 drop? Fluid Extract of 
Belladonna, in X pi"t of water. 

If much weakened give : 

Whiskey i ounce. 

Ginger i teaspoonful. 

Bicarbonate Soda i " 

Mix and give in yi pint of gruel. Repeat 
three times a day until well. 

COLIC— STRETCHES.— 

Causes. — Improper food; from drinking cold water. 



554 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — The animal will be seen lying down and rising 
every moment or two, and constantly stretches the fore and hind 
legs so far apart that the belly almost touches the ground. 
Sometimes when lying on the ground it will strike its feet up 
against the belly. Appears to be in pain, and will not eat. 

Treatment. — 

The following is recommended in such cases: 

Epsom Salts yi ounce. 

Jamaica Ginger i drachm. 

Essence Peppermint 60 drops. 

Or: 

Fluid Extract Jaborandi i teaspoonful. 

Fluid Extract Nux Vomica 20 drops. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 15 " 

Aromatic Spirits Ammonia 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Water Yz pint. 

Repeat in one hour if necessary. 

The salts alone may effect a cure, or an equivalent dose of 
lyinseed Oil may be given. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. — Not an 

uncommon disease among young sheep. 

Causes. — From chill from over exposure; eating foul pea 
Straw; from eating too much snow; or irritating food of any 
kind. 

Symptoms. — There is severe, continuous distress, causing the 
animal to lie down, and then immediately get up again, only to 
do the same over and over again; pawing with one foot and then 
with another. The ears and extremities are cold, and pressure 
on the belly causes the animal to moan as in pain. Temperature 
elevated, pulse hard and rapid. There are no cessations as in 
colic pains. 

Treatment. — 

Give the following drench: 

Laudanum ^ ounce. 

Tincture Aconite Root 3 drops. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 15 " 

Raw Linseed Oil yi pint. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 555 

Turn the animal on its back and rub in on its belly where the 
wool is short, ^ pound Mustard wet up with vinegar. Afterward 
grease where it is blistered. If a ram, be careful to not get the 
paste around the point of the sheath. Repeat remedy every two 
hours until relieved, but after first dose leave out the Linseed Oil. 

STOMACH WORMS.— That sheep are troubled with 
worms more than the ordinary grower imagines is beyond 
question, but unless present in large quantities they do not affect 
the animal enough to cause attention. Lambs under one year 
old suffer most from this parasite. 

Symptoms. — The affected animal becomes unthrifty, runs 
down in flesh, does not grow, although the animal eats well; 
gets weak, hard for it to follow the flock, and at last is apt to 
have diarrhea. 

It is necessary to hold a post mortem to determine this 
disease for a certainty, and if these worms are present they will 
be found in the fourth stomach. They are small, only about 3,^ 
of an inch in length, and of a reddish color, so may be over- 
looked. If a number of animals in a flock are unthrifty it is 
always best to destroy one and hold a post mortem to determine 
which of these parasites are present, and treat the entire flock. 
The sooner treatment is commenced the more successful it 
will be. 

Treatment. — 

As a preventive use in the salt, when salting the sheep, a 
mixture composed of equal parts of Sulphate of Iron and Sul- 
phate of Copper. Add about i ounce of the mixture to the salt 
required for each 40 sheep. A good worm drench that is simple 
is the following: 

Turpentine % ounce. 

Linseed Oil 4 ounces. 

Mix and give as one dose, after fasting the 
animal eighteen hours. 



356 THE PRAC TICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

The following is also effective: 

Gasoline I tablespoonful. 

New Milk 4 ounces. 

Mix and give after fasting animal eighteen 
hours, and repeat each second day until three 
doses have been given. 

From 2 to 4-ounce doses of a i per cent, solution of Coal- 
Tar Creosote is also good. A i per cent, solution is : Coal-Tar 
Creosote, i ounce; water, 3 quarts. 

Sheep affected with this parasite should receive grain, and it 
is good to give with this a mixture of equal parts of Sulphate of 
Iron and Sulphate of Copper, The dose of the mixture is one 
ounce for each 30 to 40 sheep; dissolve in a pint of water and 
mix evenly with bran or oats. Give once or twice a day as case 
requires. Give two weeks, withhold a week, and give again. This 
may be used in connection with the foregoing. It is good to use 
occasionally with the flock as a preventive, 

TAPEWORMS. — The tapeworm is more common among 
sheep than stock owners are generally aware, and their presence 
may not be suspected unless accidentally found, or the sheep fall 
off in condition, and the worm found by post mortem. It is 
most common among young sheep but may affect the older ones. 
The exact source from which sheep get tapeworm is not known. 
They are found in the small intestines. 

Sympiotns. — Animal falls off in condition and the eyes have a 
peculiar, dull, look; has a good appetite but does not thrive; 
may be thrown into convulsions and die in a short time. When 
these conditions are present, watch the droppings for the presence 
of tapeworms, and if flat joints >^ inch long come away, the 
trouble is probably found. The post mortem is important here, 
the same as in the preceding disease. 

Treatment.-^ 

Shut the affected sheep by themselves, where they can be 
watched, and let them fast eighteen hours. Then give each 
affected sheep the following drench: 

Oil Male Fern i teaspoonful. 

Areca Nut Powder 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Tiu-pentine i teaspoonful. 

Raw Linseed Oil, or New Milk... 4 ounces. 
Shake while giving. 



DISEASKS OF SHEEP 557 

Feed lightly and watch results. Should there be no action, 
repeat in two or three days after another eighteen - hour fast. 
Give lambs ^ the above dose, 

NODULAR DISEASE.— This is another internal parasitic 
disease of sheep and lambs. It is characterized by the presence 
in the walls of the intestines of small nodules varying in size 
from a small to a large pea. When cut open the nodules are 
found to contain a greenish, cheesy pus. The nodules are caused 
by an immature worm. After remaining in the nodule for a 
time, they return into the intestine and develop into a mature 
worm about ^ of an inch long. When the nodules are few in 
number they cause no harm; but when present in large numbers 
they cause serious inflammation of the intestinal wall and inter- 
fere with digestion. 

Symptoms. — The outward symptoms will be the same as 
with stomach worms; it takes the post mortem to distinguish 
between them. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment is less satisfactory than with the others. The 
same as recommended for stomach worms may be used; also use 
the same preventive measures. 

Sheep should not be kept on low pastures, or on the same 
pasture continuously — or year after year, but change pasture as 
often as possible during the summer, and upon different fields 
from year to year. Wean the lambs early, and place them on a 
pasture where the old sheep have not been kept. 

DIARRHEA. — Diarrhea or scours ordinarily manifests 
itself by the amount and watery condition of the discharges. 

Causes. — Are generally due to improper food, as bad hay or 
noxious weeds; or to a sudden change from dry food to green; to 
overfeeding, or to cold, wet weather; also to internal parasites. 

Symptoms. — In simple form the thin, watery discharge is 
about the only prominent feature. The appetite is usually good, 
though it may be poor; there is no apparent fever, and the gen- 
eral conditions remain unchanged. 



558 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

When light and not long-continued, no remedy is called for, 
and confinement to dry food for a day or two often cures. With 
lambs in the fall it is more serious. If severe, and if mucus is 
present in the feces, give a mild cathartic, as, Rhubarb yo, drachm; 
or I ounce Linseed Oil; or J^ ounce Epsom Salts. Then give an 
astringent, as 15 to 30 grains Sulphate of Iron, and in most cas^s 
this will be enough. If not give: 

Prepared Chalk ^ ounce. 

Laudanum , 3 to 4 teaspoonfuls. 

Tepid Milk Yz pint. 

Mix and give twice a day for two or three 

days, which in ordinary cases will suffice. 

Or, in more serious cases prepare the following: 

Castor Oil % teacupful. 

Laudanum.... % oyxno.^. 

Ginger.......... i drachm. 

Bicarbonate of Soda...... i " 

Tepid Water...,. c. yi teacupful. 

Mix and give as a drench. Repeat, omitting 
the Castor Oil, every three hours until relieved. 
In very bad cases, add to the drench ^ ounce 
Tincture of Catechu. 

DYSENTERY.— 

Causes. — This is caused by an inflammation of the mucous 
or inner coat of the intestines, causing an abnormal increase in 
the secretions and a morbid change in character. It is frequently 
a sequence to diarrhea and arises from the same cause. 

Symptoms. — There is fever; appetite is variable, but generally 
none; the discharges are thin and watery, but adhesive from 
presence of mucus. As disease advances the feces are tinged 
with blood and the odor is verj' offensive. Unless relieved the 
animal wastes away. 

Treatment. — 

Use the last preparation recommended for diarrhea, and 
alternate with it a teaspoon nearly half full of Sulphate of Iron 
(copperas) dissolved in % pint of water. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 559 

Give teaspoonful doses of Blood Flour, or . 

Corrosive Sublimate 4 grains. 

Water %, pint. 

Dose ^ to I teaspoonful every three or four 
hours. 

This last is very poisonous, and due care must be taken in 
its use. 

FLUKE DISEASE IN SHEEP; ROT, OR LIVER 
FLUKE.— 

Causes. — Small flat worms (Fasciola Hepatica and Distoneum 
Eanceolatum) in the liver, called the " liver fluke," are the cause 
of this disease. 

Symptoms. — There is tenderness and weakness about the 
loins; dropsical swellings come under the jaws, on throat, chest 
and belly; eyes are yellow as in jaundice, and if the skin be 
rubbed back and forth, when taken up between the thumb and 
fingers, it is soft and flabby, with a crackling sensation. 

Treatment. — 

If there is diarrhea, weak pulse and general stupor, remove 
to a high, dry pasture, or to a dry, well- ventilated place. Prepare 
and give the following: 

Sulphate of Magnesia ^ pound. 

Turpentine 6 drachms. 

Water 1^2 pints. 

Mix Magnesia with the Water and add the 
Turpentine. Give one-third of the amount for 
a dose every two days, shaking the bottle each 
time. 

Follow this with tonic: 

Oatmeal 40 pounds. 

Powdered Gentian 4 " 

Salt 4 " 

Sulphate of Iron I " 

Mix and give yi pint to each sheep once 
a day for a week. Wait three weeks and repeat. 

High, dry pastures and salt marshes are destructive to the 
fluke, while low, wet pastures favor the perpetuation of the 
disease. This disease is uncommon, except in a very few sections 
of this country. 



560 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

GRUBS IN THE HEAD.— What is known as "grub" 
is tlie larvae of the oestrus ovis, or gad-fly of the sheep. The 
young larvae is deposited by the fly about the nostrils, passes up 
the nasal cavities into the sinuses just below the eyes. This 
takes place in July, August and September. The larvae remain 
in the sinuses until the follov/ing spring, when they descend and 
pass from the nostrils and enter the ground, change their form, 
and in three or four weeks come forth as the adult fly. The 
grubs cause but little irritation unless a number are present in 
the sinuses, when their presence may be indicated by sneezing, 
discharge from nose, dullness. When the flies are troubling the 
sheep, their presence may be known by the action of the animals. 
They will collect in clusters, with heads inward and noses thrust 
toward the ground, and into it if any loose earth is available. 

Treatment. — 

Preventive treatment is probably the best treatment that is 
available to the layman. Keep a portion of the field plowed — at 
least a furrow — so that sheep may have access to loose soil. 
Smear the noses once a day during the season with Tar and Fish 
Oil. An old remedy to dislodge grubs is: 

Scotch SnufF Y^ pound. 

Boiling Water 2 quarts. 

Stir and let cool. Inject a tablespoonful of 
this liquid into each nostril, and repeat three or 
four times from October to January. 

An easy and fairly effectual way to get the tar onto the nose 
is to bore a number of large auger holes in a log; put salt in the 
bottom of the holes. After the sheep get to going to the log for 
salt, put Tar and Fish Oil around the holes, and it will get onto 
their noses. 

SCAB.— 

Cause. — Scab is a cutaneous disease, analogous to mange in 
horses and itch in man. It is produced by a microscopic insect 
that burrows just beneath the cuticle, producing much irritation, 
and causing the exudation of a watery fluid, which in drying 
forms the scab that brings away the wool in larger or smaller 
patches. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 561 

Symptoms. — Sheep suffering from scab are exceedingly rest- 
less; rub themselves constantly against trees, stones, fences, etc.; 
will bite its fleece and scratch with its hoofs; the fleece becomes 
ragged and drops off. It is very contagious. 

Treatment. — 

A very cheap and effective remedy is: 

Creolin 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Rain Water i pint. 

Shake well and go all over the body of the 
animal with a brush. Repeat every second 
day until the disease stops and the wool begins 
to grow. 

Or the following, which is in great repute in Australia: 

Tobacco Leaves lo pounds. 

Sulphur 10 " 

Water 60 gallons. 

Boil the Tobacco in the water and add the 
Sulphur while water is hot. Dip the sheep in 
liquor as hot as can be borne for five minutes. 

Lime and Sulphur Dip for Scab. — Take 8 to II pounds 
unslaked Lime, place in mortar box, kettle or pail, adding 
enough water to form a paste. Sift into this 3 times its 
weight of Sulphur (24 or 33 pounds) and stir mixture well. 
Weigh both; don't guess or measiu-e. Now place in a boiler or 
kettle with 25 to 30 gallons boiling water, and boil at least two 
hours, stirring well together. Pour all into a tub or vat that is 
provided with a bung-hole about 4 inches from bottom, and allow 
ample time to settle. Draw off the clear liquid and add enough 
water to make 100 gallons. As a precaution draw off through 
bagging, so there will be no sediment in clear liquid. The sedi- 
ment may be used for disinfecting purposes, but under no circum- 
stances should it be used for dipping. 

Use the smaller amounts of ingredients in fresh cases and the 
larger in severe cases. Dip sheep at a temperature of 100 to 1 10 F. , 
keeping them in two minutes by the watch, ducking the head at 
least once. Rams are more apt to be overcome in the dip than 
ewes. Be careful about pregnant ewes, as injury may result. 
Repeat dip in ten dnny^.—From U. S. Bulletin. 

36 



562 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

The various coal-tar dipping products which are on the 
market are fairly effectual . All dips should be repeated in ten 
days. 

Affected sheep should be separated from the healthy and 
stables thoroughly cleaned and treated with the dipping fluids. 

WOOL FALLING FROM SHEEP.— 

Cazises. — Feeding too much hot food, as pea or wheat meal, 
and keeping in too warm quarters. 

Sympto7ns. — In spring, wool becomes loose and falls off in 
patches; sheep will rub some, but shows little signs of irritation. 

Treatment. — 

Is largely in changed conditions. Put in cooler quarters and 
change the food to roots, such as mangels and grains of a lighter 
character, to cool the blood. In severe cases give the following 
powder once a day for a while in doses of one teaspoonful to each 
sheep: Saltpeter, Sulphur and ground Gentian Root, equal parts 
of each by weight. Mix and give as directed. 

TICKS. — The sheep tick is a winged insect, but has no 
wings developed. Are large, live on the surface and suck blood. 
They may be plainly seen by dividing the wool, or, at the time of 
shearing, at which time they will go to the lambs. 

Treatment. — 

The tobacco remedy in "Scab" may be used, or put 2 table- 
spoonfuls Creolin in a pint of water, and go over the animal with 
a brush. The Coal-Tar dipping preparations are very effectual 
here, dipping the sheep the same as in scab. One treatment is 
generally sufficient, but sometimes requires a second in about two 
weeks. 

MAGGOTS FROM BLOW FLIES.— Maggots are more 
common than they should be, both in neglected wounds and 
from the accumulation of filth about the thighs. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 563 

Treatment. — 

Cleanse parts thoroughly and touch wounds with the 
following lotion: 

Creosote i part. 

Alcohol 4 parts. 

Mix. Then bathe daily with Tincture of 
Myrrh. 

Or, remove all maggots and dress wounds with following: 

Acetate of Lead i ounce. 

SulphateZinc j4. " 

Carbolic Acid ^ " 

Water i pint. 

Shake and apply freely. 

Keep sheep well tagged by shearing from under the tail, and 
thence diagonally down the thighs 

FOOT ROT.— 

Causes. — A contagious disease caused by a micro-organism. 

Sympto77is. — Skin at the top of the clefts of the hoofs and over 
the heels, which normally is smooth, dry and pale, becomes red, 
moist, warm, and rough, as though chafed. Next, there is a 
discharge, and ulcers form extending down to the upper portion 
of the inner wall of the hoof. The walls become disorganized, 
and the disease penetrates between the fleshy sole and the bottom 
of the hoof, an offensive, purulent matter is thrown out, and 
the whole foot becomes a mass of corruption. Animal early 
becomes lame, and at length dies from exhaustion. 

Treatment. — 

Separate the affected sheep and put them in a dry, well- 
littered yard, or dry, short pasture. Cut away all diseased parts, 
cleaning knife from time to time in a solution of Carbolic Acid. 
Prepare a tank, and fill it to the depth of four inches with a 
saturated solution (all that will dissolve) of Blue Vitriol (Sulphate 
of Copper) . Keep this as hot as can be borne by putting in 
from time to time a piece of hot iron. Let each sheep stand in 
this ten minutes. Then cover the hoof with Chloride of Lime 
and fill the cleft with a fillet of tow, long enough to twist and 



564 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

tie ends about fetlock. Examine daily and renew lime if 
necessary. It is necessary sometimes to apply a caustic to the 
worst spots; Muriatic Acid is good for this; it can be used full 
strength, or diluted with one or two parts of water, as conditions 
require. It must be applied carefully with a swab. The disease 
is frequr.ntly hard to overcome, and will reappear from time to 
time. Feed good nourishing food, and if a tonic is needed give 
the following powder once a day, as circumstances dictate: 

Common Salt 2 drachms. 

Sulphate of Iron yi drachm. 

Nitrate of Potash yi " 

3fix. 

FOUL IN THE FOOT.— This is not an uncommon diffi- 
culty, especially with sheep driven on the road or pastured on 
low, marshy pastures. 

Symptoms. — Much like previous disease, only not so severe. 

Treatment. — 

If inflammation is severe, poultice with Linseed poultice, 
changing twice a day. Apply the Sulphate of Copper solution, or: 

Acetate of Lead i ounce. 

Sulphate of Zinc 6 drachms. 

Carbolic Acid Yz ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Shake and apply freely after washing. 

The Muriatic Acid may need to be used in bad cases, as in 
"Foot Rot." 

SWOLLEN FOOT;— DISEASE OF THE BIPLEX 
CANAL.— 

Causes. — From the introduction of foreign bodies, or from 
other reasons. 

Symptoms. — The issue or biplex canal in the front and upper 
part of the hoof becomes inflamed; there is redness and enlarge- 
ment around the pastern, particularly about the orifice of the 
canal, and the toes are thrown wide apart. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 565 

Treatment.— 

Examine to see if there is any substance lodged therein; if 
so, remove. If simply swollen and inflamed, treat as for "Foul;" 
if pus has formed, open and let it out. Wash out with: 

Carbolic Acid Yz ounce. 

Water I pint. 

And inject a little of the Tincture of Iodine. Continue poulticing 
and dressing each day. If it refuses to improve, use the Muriatic 
Acid in addition to the other treatment, and also the Lead and 
Zinc lotion, or the Copper solution. 

FRACTURES.— If there be no wound of the soft parts, 
the bone being simply broken, the treatment is not difficult, and 
in case of a valuable animal would pay trouble and care. Apply 
a piece of wet leather, taking care to ease the limb when swelling 
intervenes; or, after setting the bones, apply a long bandage 
saturated with starch, the same as for the laundry, but in taking 
out draw through the fingers to squeeze out a good portion to 
allow it to dry quicker; then wind it around the broken leg 
moderately tight, being sure to have the bones set straight; then 
have some one hold the animal and keep the leg in shape till the 
bandage hardens, and after this let remain for a month or more. 
Examine leg, and if it gets too tight or becomes sore, cut off and 
put on a new one. Remove when sheep is well Keep the sheep 
in a small enclosure by itself, where it will be disturbed as little 
as possible. 

SPRAINS, STRAINS AND BRUISES.— 

Treatment. — 

Treat precisely as advised in Horse Department. In simple 
cases hot fomentations and the subsequent application of Camphor 
or other good liniment is the rule generally followed. For a 
sprain, to immerse the limb in water as hot as can be borne for 
half an hour at a time, and repeated several times a day, will 
usually effect a quick cure. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE TESTICLES.— 

Causes. — A kick, or a bunt from some other animal. 



566 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptovis. — The scrotum is swollen and tender; ram walks 
stiflfly; does not eat much, and lies down most of the time to 
relieve the pain caused by standing. 

Treatment. — 

Separate the ram from the flock and put him in a quiet place. 
Apply hot poultices — half meal and half bran. Change every 3 
hours, and each time before a new one is applied, bathe the part 
with hot vinegar, or with the Lead and Zinc lotion recommended 
for Foul in the Foot. Witch Hazel extract is also good to bathe 
with. Also give the animal the following drench: 

Epsom Salts 4 ounces. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 30 drops. 

Saltpeter i small teaspoonful. 

Water Yt pint. 

Repeat three times a day, omitting the Salts after 
the first dose. 

Wash the scrotum with Carbolic Acid solution: 

Carbolic Acid % ounce. 

Water i pint. 

In case the bag festers, lance when ready and let the matter 
come away, and wash out with Carbolic Acid water. Continue 
poulticing until all the matter is drawn out and the ram is better, 
but after the inflammation is well reduced, poultice only about 
one-half the time. 

CASTRATING RAMS.— Throw the ram and have him 
held firmly; take a sharp knife and make an incision lengthwise 
of the scrotum, on what would be the rear surface when ram is 
standing, near the bottom so that no pocket w^ill form. Cut the 
hole large enough so that the testicle will slip out easily, and 
when out the place where the covering is attached to the testicle 
will be seen. Cut this attachment with the knife, pull the 
testicle up 3 or 4 inches and tie a pretty strong string around 
the cord, tying it tight enough to stop the blood, leaving the ends 
of the string 4 or 5 inches long so they will hang out of the 
incision, and not heal up in the scrotum. They will come away 
after a few days without assistance. As soon as this is done, cut 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 567 

the cord off V2 inch below the string; then operate on the other 
testicle in the same manner. Pour into the wound a little of the 
Carbolic Acid solution: 

Carbolic Acid ^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Have a dish of Carbolic solution to put the knife in before 
using and when not using it during operation; also for string. 

If there is swelling, open the incisions and flush out daily 
with the Carbolic solution. Do not allow the animal to get wet. 

CASTRATING LAMBS.— Lambs should be castrated 
at from 2 to 10 days of age. An assistant should hold the 
lamb, turning him on his back, holding rump between his 
knees with head toward himself, taking the fore and hind legs 
in each hand with fore legs outside of hind, and holding 
them firmly just above the knee joints. Take hold the pouch 
and pull gently so to get as much as possible of it, and then with 
a sharp knife and a single stroke, or better, with a pair of strong 
shears, take off the pouch close to the testicle. Then take firm 
hold of each testicle, separately, between thumb and finger and 
pull it out with all the cord that adheres to it, or pull out a ways 
and cut cord off. Perform in the morning so that lambs can go 
about, and this will in great measure prevent any disposition to 
swelling, which would be the case if allowed to lie around for a 
time afterward. Use the Carbolic Acid solution the same as with 
the ram. 

DOCKING. — Docking, like castration, should be performed 
when lambs are a few days old. Perform with a single stroke of 
a sharp knife and in the evening, being careful to sever the tail 
at a joint, the assistant drawing the skin of the tail to the body 
so that the end will cover the stub. Then allow the flock to lie 
down and keep quiet so that they may lose the least possible 
amount of blood. By morning the wound will have dried suffi- 
ciently that there will be little danger of bleeding. Never exert 
after docking. If much bleeding ensues apply a little Mnn'^eT'-- 
solution, or touch lightly with a hot iron. 



568 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

LAMBING. — The ewe goes with young from 145 to 162 
days, generally stated as five months. Ewes are usually coupled 
in the month of November in the north, but this is varied some- 
what by circumstance and purpose. A good way to tell whether 
a ewe has been served is to shake dry paint on the ram's breast, 
and when he has served the ewe the paint will be on her back. 

After about the third month in young ewes and fourth in old 
ones, the udder will begin to enlarge, and will continue to grow 
larger until a few days before she drops the lamb. The predispos- 
ing signs are, when the ewe stretches herself frequently; separating 
herself from the rest; showing restlessness by not remaining in 
any one place long; lying down and then getting up again; paw- 
ing ground with the foot; bleating as if in quest of a lamb, and 
appearing fond of the lambs of other ewes. Very soon after these 
symptoms is the immediate one of the expulsion of the water bag. 
When this is observed the ewe should be watched, for labor pains 
may be expected to come on at once. When these are felt by 
her the ewe presses or forces with earnestness, changing from 
one position to another as if desiring relief. 

TROUBLES MET WITH IN LAMBING.— The ewe 

does not often require assistance. Her labors will sometimes be 
protracted, and her moaning evince the extent of pain. In some 
cases will even go about several hours, and resume her grazing 
with the fore feet and nose of lamb protruding. If left alone, 
however, nature will generally relieve her. The objection to 
interfering, except in necessity, is that the ewe is frightened 
when caught, and her efforts to expel the lamb cease. 

Sometimes wrong presentations are made, and the attendant 
should be ready with Carbolized Lard, clean hand, oiled and 
warmed in warm water to render assistance, inserting his hand, 
pushing back, and changing as case requires. Sometimes the 
lamb comes with feet out but head turned back, in which case 
the head must be brought forward after pushing lamb back; then 
draw on head and legs and it will come right. If coming with 
only head and neck out and front legs turned back, push lamb 
back into womb, straighten the legs, drawing gently on them and 
the head. If coming with only head and one front leg out, push 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 569 

back into womb and straighten the other front leg; bring front 
legs and head gently forward. Sometimes there are twins, and a 
leg of each will come forward; in which case in straightening, be 
sure the two legs of one of the lambs are straightened out before 
assisting presentation, or injury may result. A case of breech 
presentation may occur, where the ewe will labor and nothing is 
accomplished — the tail and rump only are felt in passage, and the 
hind legs are turned forward along the lamb's body. Push lamb 
back into womb and hook a finger around one of the hind legs 
and bring it backward toward you until straight out in passage; 
then do the same with the other; then draw out backward. Don't 
try to turn a lamb. Be gentle and careful not to injure womb. 
In case of trouble from neck of womb remaining closed give; 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 15 drops. 

Tepid Water yi pint. 

Repeating every two hours until the neck re- 
laxes, and smear mouth of womb with a little 
Belladonna in Lard. 

If a lamb is dropped at night and gets chilled, put it in a 
warm bath, dry thoroughly after, and give it a few spoonfuls of 
milk, diluted a little and sweetened, with a speck of Red Pepper 
in it. 

THE CLEANING, OR PLACENTA, NOT COMING 
AWAY. — The cleaning, or placenta, generally drops from the 
ewe in the course of a very short time — sometimes in a few 
minutes — after lambing. In case it does not, give the ewe a 
warm drink, and leave her alone; then if it does not come away 
after a time, give a drench as follows: 

Epsom Salts 4 ounces. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter %. ounce. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 15 drops. 

Mix and give in a pint of tepid water. 
The protruding mass may be gently pulled upon. 

EVERSION OF THE WOMB, OR LAMB BED 
TURNED OUT. — It sometimes happens that by reason of 
violent after-pains, the womb is forced right out through the 
vagina, and is turned inside out. 



570 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

As soon as this is known, if there is any cleaning attached 

to the button-like processes, remove, then bathe with cold water, 

having placed the womb on a sheet to keep it clean. When 

thoroughly cleaned, pour over it a solution of Carbolic Acid: 

Carbolic Acid i teaspoonful. 

Water 1 pint. 

Have the hind part of the ewe elevated, and, having the 
hands well oiled, start returning by beginning at the vulva and 
keep working until all is in the passage; then push it back into 
normal position. Put three good, deep stitches in the vulva, to 
prevent eversion again, but leave sufficient space for animal to 
make water. Leave stitches in for from four days to a week. 

In case straining is severe and continues, give internally: 

Laudanum ^ ounce. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 30 drops. 

Water }i pint. 

Give 4 ounces Epsom Salts as a laxative; feed very lightly. 
Do not let lamb suck if he butts. 
Also give: 

Fluid Extract Aconite 3 drops. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 20 " 

Saltpeter ^ teaspoonful. 

Water % pint. 

Mix and give three times a day for four or 
five days. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE UDDER (GARGET.)— 

This is an inflammation of the udder, somtimes known as "caked 
bag," with or without general inflammation. 

Catises — Generally from too great an accumulation of milk 
prior to lambing, but may be in consequence of the death of the 
lamb, or from a cold. 

Treatment. — 

Draw the milk from the udder so that the hungry lamb will 

butt and work at it an unusual time in pursuit of food, and bathe 

it a few times with hot water. This will usually suffice. If the 

lamb is dead, the milk should be drawn a few times at increasing 

intervals, bathing the udder for some time with hot water after 

each milking. In severe cases the udder should be anointed with: 

Strone: Spirits Camphor 3 parts. 

Turpentine i part. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 571 

Witch Hazel is good or Camphorated Oil. Give 4 ounces 
Epsom Salts, also J^ teaspoonful Saltpeter two or three times a 
day. 

Should there be suppuration, the affected part should be 
opened and washed out with a Carbolic Acid solution. 



DISEASES OF YOUNG LAMBS 



WEAKNESS.— 

Catises. — Sometimes where the ewe is not properly fed and 
taken care of; or where there are twins; or from coming on a 
cold night and getting a chill, the lambs are weak and unable to 
stand. 

Treatment. — 

If from a chill, put it in a warm bath, dry thoroughly after- 
ward by warmth and rubbing; then give in a tablespoonful of the 
ewe's milk, a teaspoonful of Whiskey and repeat every hour until 
Strong enough to take the teat. 

CONSTIPATION.— 

Causes. — From being fed with cow's milk, especially when 
not diluted with water and sweetened, and from causes unknown. 

Symptoins. — The lamb is dull, and there is some distension of 
the sides; there is straining to move the bowels, but no passage. 

Treatment. — 

Very young lambs are subject to a disease that is sometimes 
called "pinning," the first passages being so adhesive and tenacious 
in their nature that the orifice to the anus is closed and subse- 
quent evacuations prevented. In such cases remove the adhering 
matter, rubbing with a little dry clay to prevent further trouble. 
If from food or other causes, give Linseed Oil in teaspoon to 
tablespoonful doses two or three times a day until bowels are 
in condition, Epsom Salts in 14. to i drachm doses may also be 
given. Injections of soapy, lukewarm water may also be given 
in ^ teacupful quantities one or more times a day. 



572 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

DIARRHEA IN LAMBS.— 

Causes. — From milk not agreeing, or from a chill. 
Treatment. — 

Put a teaspoonful of Whiskey and one of Castor Oil in a 
tablespoonful of the ewe's milk and give it from a small spoon, 
being careful in administration. In four hours if not better, give 
5 drops Laudanum in a teaspoonful of Whiskey, together with a 
tablespoonful of the mother's milk. Repeat every four hours until 
relieved. Keep lamb warm and comfortable, and see that the 
ewe is kept milked out, to prevent garget. See also "Diarrhea" 
in other part of this department, which may be adapted to con- 
ditions. Part of a teaspoonful of Blood Flour in a little water is 
good. Part of a teaspoonful of cooking soda is also good. 



Note. — Sheep may be affected with other diseases not men- 
tioned here but described in the Horse or Cattle Department, 
In such cases they would be treated the same as there, except 
that the doses of medicine would be about i-6 that for cattle and 
1-3 that for horse. 



SWINE 

DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT 



WAYS OF GIVING MEDICINE TO SWINE.— A 
common way is to put a noose on the upper jaw and draw up the 
head. Use horn or bottle in giving Hquids. Sometimes the 
struggles do harm, and care must be used to not strangle by 
pouring too fast — take time. Another way which has high 
recommendation is: Pull the cheek away from the teeth so as to 
form a pouch, and pour the medicine into this slowly; the animal 
will quit squealing when he finds out what it is, and will begin to 
swallow. Put the hog in a chute where he cannot turn around, 
and give him a shoe which has a hole in the toe to bite on. The 
medicine is poured in the shoe and taken while he is biting on it; 
or a short piece of hose with a funnel attached to one end. Still 
another plan is to take a board 8^ inches wide by lo to 12 inches 
long, which includes handle cut down at one end. About 3 
inches from one end cut a notch i % inches deep and 3 inches 
wide. Opposite the middle and on the other edge, cut another 
notch an inch square; then cut away for a handle. Let one hold 
while another drenches; catch by ears and set back on hind- 
quarters, place the board in mouth with small notch down, pour 
from a strong bottle, in the front of mouth, on the end of the 
tongue. Vary size of board to animal. 

Medicine in the form of small powders, pills, or paste, may 
be placed well back on the root of the tongue. 

DISINFECTION AND DISINFECTANTS.-The dis- 
infection of places where animals having malignant or contagious 
diseases have been kept should be rigorously carried out. Every 
part should be stopped tight, and Sulphur and Wood Tar, in the 
proportion of i of Sulphur to 2 quarts of Tar, mixed with tow, 
should be burned and allowed to smoke thoroughly until the 
building is thick with the smoke. Places where sick animals 

573 



574 



THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 



are should be fumigated two or three times a week, but not so 
much as to set sick animals to coughing. All parts of the build- 
ing should be wet with Carbolic solution, either by sprinkling or 
washing, using in proportion of loo parts of soft water to 3 parts 
of Carbolic Acid. Discharges should be treated with Chloride of 
Zinc, using in the proportion of i ounce of Chloride of Zinc to i 
to 2 gallons of water. Chloralum is a disinfectant that is not 
poisonous and has no odor. It is made by dissolving 3 pounds 
Chloride of Aluminum in 2 gallons of water. A cheap and pow- 
erful disinfectant that is non-poisonous is made by dissolving 8 
ounces Chloride of Zinc and 16 ounces of Sulphate of Iron in one 
gallon of water. Add i pint of this liquid to i gallon of water. 
Another cheap and very powerful disinfectant is Corrosive Subli- 
mate, one part to one-thousand parts of water, i drachm of Cor- 
rosive Sublimate to i gallon of water. It corrodes metals and so 
must be made and used from wooden vessels. It is poisonous 
and must be used with due care. 

HOG CHOLERA AND SWINE PLAGUE.— These 
two diseases — which have caused such widespread devastation 
among the swine all over the country — resemble each other very 
closely both in their symptoms and in their effect on the bodies 
of animals; so much so in most cases that an after-death examina- 
tion by experts would be necessary to clearly distinguish them. 
The difficulty of distinguishing between the two diseases is of no 
great consequence from a practical standpoint, as in either case 
they must be combatted by measures to prevent exposure, or to 
destroy them when introduced, and sick animals must be treated 
by remedies that will reduce fever, stop multiplication of germs, 
and assist the affected organs in resuming their normal functions. 

Syrnptoyns. — The symptoms of the serious diseases of swine 
are not so characteristic as in larger animals. Animals often die 
before sickness has been observed, or after a few hour's illness. 
Such cases are most frequent at the first appearance of the 
diseases, but in many cases the progress of disease is slower and 
ample opportunities are allowed for studying the symptoms. 
There are first seen signs of fever, shivering, unwillingness to 
move, more or less loss of appetite, elevation of temperature 



DISEASES OF SWINE 575 

which may reach 105 to 106 F.; the animals appear stupid and 
dull, and have a tendency to hide in the litter or bedding or to 
remain covered by it. The bowels may be normal or constipated 
at first, but later there is generally liquid and fetid diarrhea, 
abundant and exhausting, that persists to the end. The eyes are 
at first congested and watery, but soon the secretion thickens, be- 
comes yellowish, accumulates in the angles and gums the lids to- 
gether. The breathing is more rapid than usual and may be op- 
pressed and labored in the later stages. There is a cough, which 
however is not very frequent and is generally heard when the 
animals are driven from their bed; it may be single and it maj'- 
be paroxysmal. The skin is often congested and red over the 
abdomen, inner surface of the limbs, under surface of the neck, 
and on the ears. The color varies from a pinkish red to dark 
red or purple. An eruption is sometimes seen, which leaves 
crusts or scabs of various sizes over the skin. There is rapid 
loss of flesh; the animal grows weak; stands with an arched back 
and the abdomen drawn up, and walks with a tottering, uncer- 
tain gait; there is less and less inclination or ability to move, and 
the weakness and exhaustion increases until death results. 

The symptoms of swine plague in many instances are 
not noticeably different from those of hog cholera. Frequently 
the lungs are extensively inflamed in swine plague, and in that 
condition the breathing is more labored and the cough more 
frequent and painful. 

The course of these diseases varies from one or two days to 
two or three weeks. 

Treatment. — 

When the hogs are first found to be infected witli either hog 
cholera or swine plague, the lots or pens where they have been 
confined should be disinfected by dusting plentifully with dry, 
air-slaked lime or by sprinkling with a 5 per cent, solution of 
crude Carbolic Acid. The animals should be moved into new 
quarters. If possible, the sick and well should be separated and 
put into different lots. They should be put into dry, clean places 
where there is no mud, and above all, no stagnant water. Keep 
well disinfected by the use of air-slaked Lime or Carbolic Acid. 



576 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Give- 

Wood Charcoal i pound. 

Sulphur I " 

Sodium Chloride 2 pounds. 

Sodium Bicarbonate 2 " 

Sodium Hyposulphate 2 " 

Sodium Sulphate i pound. 

Antimony Sulphide (Black Antimony) i " 

Pulverize and mix thoroughly. 

In case there is profuse diarrhea the Sodium 
Sulphate may be omitted. 

Dose: i large tablespoonful for each 200 
pounds weight to be treated, once a day. 

Hogs affected with these diseases should be fed at least 
once a day with soft feed, such as bran and middlings, middlings 
and corn meal, or ground, soft oats and corn, or ground oats 
and corn, or crushed wheat with hot water, and then stir- 
ring in proper amount of medicine. If unable to eat, drench 
by pulling the cheek away from the teeth so as to form a pouch, 
into which the remedy may be slowly poured. It will flow into 
the mouth, and when the hog finds what it is, it will stop squealing. 
Apparently this remedy has been more efficacious in cholera 
than in plague. The best of care must be given in addition to 
this in order to secure the best results. As a preventive, put the 
remedy into the feed of the herd and see that each one gets his 
share. 

Notes. — Both hog cholera and swine plague are caused by 
bacteria, the hog cholera germs being slightly larger and more 
elongated than those of swine plague. They are provided with 
long thread-like appendages, which enable them to move rapidly 
through liquids, while bacteria of the swine plague have no 
such organs, and are unable to move except as carried by the 
liquid in which they float. The germs of cholera gain entrance 
through food and drink and the air as well, while those of the 
plague gain entrance through the lungs. Cholera germs are 
hardy and vigorous, living and multiplj'ing for a long time in 
water or soil, while those of the plague are delicate and easily 
destroyed. 



DISEASES OF SWINE 577 

When several animals are affected with the symptoms in the 
neighborhood, we may decide that one or both diseases are pres- 
ent. If button-like ulcers are found on the intestines, the disease 
is no doubt cholera, though in acute cases they will not be pres- 
ent. If there be inflammation of the lungs, and particular!}' if 
cheese-like masses be found in the substance of these organs, the 
disease is probably swine plague. Small blood spots in the tissues 
or scattered over the internal organs indicates hog cholera, while 
inflammation of the serous membranes — the membranes lining the 
closed cavities of the body — indicates swine plague. In hog 
cholera there are hemorrhages in the tissues, in the lymphatic 
glands, and in the various organs of the body; ulceration of the 
large intestines, collapse of the lung tissue, and less frequently 
broncho-pneumonia. In swine plague there is inflammation of 
the lungs, numerous small necrotic points in these organs, or a 
few larger cheesy masses; inflammation of the serous membranes 
with fibrinous deposits; congestion of the mucous membrane of 
the intestines, or inflammation of the same with fibrinous deposits. 

In times of plague or cholera remember that non-intercourse 
is the safest rule. A particle of dirt carried on a shoe, by a dog 
or other animal, or on the wheel of a wagon, will be sufficient to 
start an outbreak. 

When there is reason to fear an outbreak, hogs should be 
shut in a small enclosure, kept as dry as possible — for it is certain 
that if filth is not the cause, it will greatly facilitate it — and dis- 
infect at least once a week as directed. Three to 15 drops of 
Carbolic Acid, according to age, in the drinking water will tend to 
prevent infection. Also keep hogs thrifty and vigorous by using 
the prescription recommended for Chronic Indigestion. 

Measures of Prevention. — Promptly destroy and bury 
deep all animals that are known to be sick of the plague, 
and disinfect the premises, or if impracticable, remove other 
animals to high dry ground — if fresh plowed so much the better. 
Give clean food and freshly drawn well water, and as a preven- 
tive give in the drinking water three times a day ro drops Carbolic 
Acid for every 150 pounds live weight; or instead, i teaspoonful 
Hyposulphite of Soda for every 100 pounds live weight till danger 



578 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

is past. Separate healthy, sick and suspects, and treat accord- 
ing to class, allowing no communication in any way between the 
lots. If one person attends all, he should attend the well ones 
first in every case. Buckets used for the sick should not be used 
for the well. Dogs may carry contagion from one pen to another. 
The lot in which the healthy hogs are placed should never be on 
ground capable of taking drainage from the others, and contami- 
nation by running streams must be scrupulously looked after in 
such times. Operations such as ringing, cutting ears and tails, 
spaying, castrating and the like should be delayed till epidemic 
is past, but if necessary, dress the wound daily with an effective 
disinfectant, as a solution of Carbolic Acid. — From U. S, Bulletin. 



COMMON DISEASES OF SWINE 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS; PNEUMONIA; 
LUNG FEVER.— 

Symptoms. — Breathing is rapid and labored; there is shiver- 
ing of body and limbs, more or less severe cough, no appetite, 
elevation of temperature. 

Treatment. — 

Put the animal in a quiet, comfortable and well-ventilated 
place, free from drafts. Put a preparation of Mustard and water 
on the chest and side and give the following: 

Fluid Extract Aconite i6 drops. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i teaspoonful. 

Saltpeter 2 drachms. 

Alcohol iVz ounces. 

Water to make i^ pint. 

Give one ounce of the solution four or five 
times a day. 

Give nourishing food such as the hog will eat and keep it 
covered with a blanket, and this with good nursing will probably 
effect a cure. 



DISEASES O F SWINE 579 

QUINSY, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE TON- 
SILS. — This is a common and often fatal disease if prompt re- 
lief is not given. 

Symptoms. — Hog has difficulty in swallowing; there is slav- 
ering and the tongue^ sticks out; there is swelling and soreness 
under the lower jaw and neck. 

Treatment. — 

Apply to the swelling cloths wrung out in hot water, chang- 
ing them frequently to reduce the inflammation. As soon as pos- 
sible use the following: 

Sulphate Magnesia 4 ounces. 

Oil of Turpentine 2 drachms. 

Soap Suds y^ pint. 

Mix and inject into the rectum with a 
syringe. 

If the animal eats give, mixed in a little gruel: 

Turpentine 2 teaspoonfiils. 

Lard Oil 4 tafclespoonfuls. 

If he does not eat, swab the tonsils often with the mixture by 
means of a swab fastened on a small rod. Following is also good: 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i teaspoonful. 

Chlorate of Potash i " 

Camphor i " 

Saltpeter 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Mix into paste with molasses and flour and 
place ^ as a dose on back of tongue with a 
small paddle, three or four times a day. 

SORE THROAT. — Common among pigs, but may occur 
at any age. 

Causes. — Generally from catching cold, changing pens, or 
getting wet. 

Symptoms. — There is sneezing and coughing; water will run 
through the nose when drinking; throat will be swollen and sore 
to press upon; much like quinsy only no external swelling. 
It is liable to extend through the litter from common cause 



58o THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment . — 

Have good dry quarters, with ample bedding. Feed soft, 
warm food, with a large tablespoonful Sulphur for each six pigs, 
twice a day. When they will not eat, take 2 ounces each of Sul- 
phur and Saltpeter, powder and mix, and throw a half teaspocn- 
ful back on the tongue three times a day. Rub stimulating liniment 
on the throat; a good one is: 

Soap Liniment 4 ounces. 

Aqua Ammonia 2 " 

Turpentine 2 " 

In severe cases use the hot cloths externally and the paste on 
the tongue as in Quinsy. 

APOPLEXY, OR CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN 
(STAGGERS; BLIND STAGGERS).— 

Cause. — Is usually filthy, ill-ventilated and poorly-drained 
quarters, with liberal feeding. Disease is most common among 
over- fat animals. 

Symptoms. — Animal will be stupid; stands in a corner with 
ears lopped over; will not eat. As disease advances, becomes 
partly or wholly blind, going in a circle and striking against 
objects; the ears, nose and about the head becomes purple, and 
at last it falls unconscious. Sometimes there is an effusion on 
the brain, without other symptoms being especially marked; 
the animal falls suddenly, limbs stiffen, froths at the mouth, and 
breathing is hard, with a snorting sound. Comes on sometimes 
when commencing to eat. 

Treatment. — 

Give plenty of air; let cold water fall from a height on the 
head, or apply pounded ice in a cloth sack to the head. Prepare 
and give the injection as in "Quinsy" to move the bowels. 
Where not convenient to give injection, the following is recom- 
mended: For a pig 3 months old, i tablespoonful Epsom Salts; 
for one from 3 to 6 months old, 2 tablespoonfuls Epsom Salts, 
and for from 6 to 12 months old, 3 to 4 tablespoonfuls Epsom 
Salts; add according to age to Salts : 

Sweet Spirits of Niter i to 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Ginger i teaspoonful. 

Dissolve in a half teacup of lukewarm water 
and pour down the pig after it becomes con- 
scious. 



DISEASES OF SWINE 581- 

Feed sparingly for a few days, give exercise and clean quar- 
ters, and give in feed the powder recommended for Indigestion. 

COLDS.— 

Symptoms. — Those commonly attendant on catching cold. 

Treatment. — 

Keep animal warm and quiet; feed well with food easy to 
digest; rub Vinegar and Mustard on the chest. Should disease 
not yield readily to treatment, give the solution recommended for 
Pneumonia. 

SNUFFLES. — This is a common disease that usually gives 
way with warmth, good care and light, digestible food. Some- 
times it assumes a chronic form, as nasal gleet. In such cases 
the animal had better be killed at once and buried. Give solu- 
tion recommended for Pneumonia. Cause pig to inhale steam. 

CHOKING. — This sometimes occurs by the animal trying 
to swallow something hard and too large for the throat. 

Symptoms. — Animal coughs and saliva runs from its mouth. 
When it tries to eat or drink, the food or water will run back out 
of its mouth. 

Treatment. — 

Pour down a tablespoonful or two of melted lard with 10 
drops Belladonna, and then if you can feel the obstruction in the 
neck passage, try and work it around so that it will go down. 
If in the back part of the mouth, open with a stick and remove 
obstruction with another stick or a pair of pincers. If these 
means do not succeed, use the probang as in cattle, pushing the 
obstruction down into the stomach. First tie a rope around the 
upper jaw and have the head held up; then place gag across the 
mouth, using as for cattle, but use a smaller probang. 

ACUTE INDIGESTION.— 

Causes. — Usually from a change of food. A pig that is 
poorly fed, gets into a field of peas or giain and overfeeds; or it 
may occur from too sudden a change in shutting up a pig to fatten. 



582 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Sy7nptoiTis.—A.n\ra2X refuses to eat; seems bloated; very uneasy 
and in pain. If from causes as enumerated, the trouble is pretty 
sure to be indigestion. 

Treatment, — 

For a six months old pig to a yearling, give the following: 

Epsom Salts 3 tablespoonfuls 

Hyposulphite of Soda i teaspoonf ul. 

Ginger i tablespoonful. 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia i '' 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 10 drops. 

3Tix in a ^ pint of luke warm water and 
pour it down the pig. Give every three or four 
hours until animal is relieved. 
Follow for a few days with powder recommended for 
Chronic Indigestion. In giving drench do not pour down too fast 
for fear of choking the animal. Death may result at any time 
from rupture of the stomach . 

STUNTED, OR CHRONIC INDIGESTION.-A com- 
mon trouble with pigs that have been put to solid food too soon 
after weaning; or poorly kept animals of any age. Is apt to 
follow preceding disease. May be also caused by worms. 

Symptoms. — Good appetite, but no corresponding results in 
growth. 

Treatment. — 

If caused by worms, treat as under that heading. If the 
trouble be from feeding, change back to simpler and more liquid 
food, and let the change to heavy food be more gradual. Give 
with the soft food: 

Gentian J^ pound. 

Bicarbonate of Soda 1^ " 

NuxVomica }4. " 

Arsenic i drachm, 

iJ/V^ thoroughly. Dose: One tablespoonful 
to each 6 to 12 pigs, according to age. 

Give in feed two or three times a day until they begin to 
thrive; also give twice a week a handful of hardwood ashes, 
charcoal and salt, in their feed. 



DISEASES OF SWINE 583 

CONSTIPATION.— This is liable to affect swine of any 
age, but more often those of the stunted class. 

Causes. — In old hogs from having too much food, and being 
penned up too closely. In young pigs from indigestion and 
worms. 

Treatment.— 

For young pigs give the following: 

Epsom Salts 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Ginger J^ teaspoonful. 

Bicarbonate of Soda ^ " 

Dissolve in a ^ cup of lukewarm water; give 
every day until the bowels get in good condi- 
tion. 
For yearlings the amount can be doubled, and proportionately 
more for older and larger hogs. Modify amount and repetition 
according to condition. From i to 4 ounces of raw Linseed Oil 
or Castor Oil may also be given. In bad cases give the following: 
Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, I tea- 

spoonful to I tablespoonful. 

Fluid Extract Nux Vomica 510 10 drops. 

Water ^ teacupful. 

Mix and give, repeating dose three times a 
day. 

DIARRHEA.— 

Causes. — Sudden change in kind of food; eating something 
frozen; excitement from being chased; or, in case of sucking pigs, 
from food or some disability in the sow. 

Symptmns. — Watery discharges; no appetite, but great thirst. 
Treatment. — 

In the case of sucking pigs, give the sow: 

Flour I teacupful. 

Bicarbonate of Soda i teaspoonful. 

Ginger i " 

Laudanum i to 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Lukewarm Water I quart. 

Blix and give. Repeat three times a day. 

Also give the pigs a few teaspoonfuls of the same three times 
a day. If this does not control, give each pig a little Blood Flour 
in a little water. 



584 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

In ordinary cases — not sucking pigs — change food and give: 

Flour I teacupful. 

Bicarbonate of Soda i teaspoonful. 

Ginger 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Laudanum I teaspoonful. 

Water i quart. 

Mix and give as a drink three times a day. 

Also give a teaspoonful of Blood Flour in a little water to 
each pig three times a day. Have a mixture of charcoal, hard- 
wood ashes and salt where the animals can get at it. 

TURNING OUT OF THE RECTUM OR BACK 
BOWEL.— 

Causes. — Generally caused in young swine by getting too 
much dry food. The bowels become costive, and while straining 
to pass manure the bowel is turned out. Or where pigs rise on 
their hind feet in the pen when fed; by being caught while trying 
to jump some low fence the same results follow. 

Symptoms. — The back bowel bulges out in size from a half 
hen's egg to double or more that dimension. 

Treatment. — 

Syringe the protruding part with lukewarm water, with i 
ounce Alum or Copperas in each quart. Thoroughly clean, then 
oil the bulging part with: 

Melted Lard 2 parts. 

Laudanum i part. 

And push it back to its normal place. If a small pig give it a 
drench of: 

Epsom Salts 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Lukewarm Water ^ teacupful. 

And give: 

Fluid Extract Nux Vomica 3 to 5 drops. 

Castor Oil ■ .... i to 3 ounces. 

Three times a day for a few days, 

Fasten the pig so that it cannot get up on its hind feet. 
Watch and oil and push back each time as soon as expelled. In 
case the bowel becomes blackened and will not remain in, let it 



DISEASES OF SWINE 585 

alone and the piece of dead bowel will drop off of its own accord, 
and the pig may be all right in a week or so, but keep the bowels 
moving freely as directed. 

WORMS, — Mostly seen in young swine. 

Symptoms. — The animal eats plenty but does not thrive well; 
sometimes small or very large worms may be seen in the manure 
that passes. 

Treatment. — 

Give a handful of charcoal and hardwood ashes in the food 
twice a week. Give twice a day to each 6 to 8 pigs; one tea- 
spoonful of Copperas in their food. The following is also good: 

Turpentine % teaspoonful. 

Raw Linseed Oil 2 ounces. 

For Tapeworms, add to the oil and Turpentine: 

Oil Male Fern 15 to 30 drops. 

Areca Nut Powder I teaspoonful. 

These are rarely present however. 

FITS IN YOUNG PIGS FROM WORMS.— 

Cause. — As stated in title. 

Symptoms. — ;Al first pig will probably be noticed as not 
thriving. After a time it has fits. The legs begin jerking, the 
head and neck bend back, and it champs its teeth, and after a 
time, falls over as if dead. In a short time it gets up and seems 
well for a time, and then another fit ensues, until finally if not 
relieved it dies. 

Treatment. — 

For a pig two months old, mix and pour down the following 

drench: 

Turpentine ^ teaspoonful. 

Raw Linseed Oil J^ teacupful. 

Repeat once a day until bowels move and pig is relieved, 
after which feed once a day powder as recommended in treatment 
of "Stunted Pigs," and once a day Copperas as recommended 
for Worms. 



586 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

MANGE, OR SCAB.— Is the product of a parasite {Sar- 
copetes suis) and should not be tolerated any more than the itch 
on mankind. 

Symptoms. — Itching, with a scurvy condition of the skin 

Treatment. — 

Give at once and thereafter, once a day for two weeks, the 

following: 

Sulphur Yz ounce. 

Nitrate of Potash i drachm. 

]\Iix and give as one dose in the food. 

Wash the animals with same preparation as recommended 
for Scab in sheep; especially the Coal Tar products. Remove to 
clean quarters, with new bedding. Burn old bedding and white- 
wash with Quicklime, slaked with water in which Carbolic Acid 
has been added in the proportion of: 

Carbolic Acid 3 parts. 

Water loo " 

Paint the floor cracks and all surfaces outside and in. Do 
the job well. 

LICE. — Swine that are infested with lice will not do well; 
and there should be nc reason for their having them. 

Treatment. — 

Put 2 teaspoonfuls Creolin in a pint of water, and with this 
solution go over the pig carefully with a brush, rubbing it well 
over him. Make a second application in about one week, and the 
cure is usually complete. Clean pen thoroughly and sprinkle 
Lime on the floor. Give them new and clean bedding. Wash 
pigs with some of the Coal Tar products or with Kerosene 
Emulsion: 

Kerosene Oil i gallon. 

Soft Water i " 

Hard Soap Yz pound. 

Cut the Soap into shavings and dissolve in the water b}'- 
boiling; remove from the stove and add the oil while the suds is 
hot, and churn with a force pump until a thickish white cream is 
formed; then add about 12 gallons more of soft water and 
thoroughly mix, and the Emulsion is ready for use. Apply warm. 



DISEASES OF SWINE 587 

FOUNDER, OR SORE FEET.— This is not an uu- 
common trouble in pigs that are fattening, when shut up in close 
quarters, with hard floors. Driving on hard roads, or giving a 
feed of wheat when not used to it, will also cause the trouble. 

Symptoms. — The actions of the animal in trying to favor 
his front feet are obvious indications of this complaint; front 
feet kept out in front of him. 

Treatment. — 

If in summer, turn the affected animals out where they can 
have access to the soft ground. Pour water in the place where 
they lie every day, as the wet ground will be healing to the feiet. 
Prepare the following: 

Sulphur y^ pound. 

Saltpeter >^ " 

Mix and give i teaspoon ful to each, twice a 
day in soft or liquid food. 

In winter keep in dry, warm place, and keep bowels active 
with Epsom Salts, and give Saltpeter as above; feed light, sloppy 
food. In bad cases poultice the sore feet, and the animal will 
soon be well. 

WOUNDS. — Wounds may arise from various sources— 
the bite of a dog, or of other hogs; from a barbed wire fence, from 
nails or from other causes. 

Treatment. — 

If serious, it may be best to sew it up, using needle and 
thread as directed in Horse Department; put in stitches about 
^ of an inch apart; but first wash out with warm water and 
apply freely Carbolic Acid lotion: 

Carbolic Acid % ounce. 

Water i pint. 

And dress each day afterward with the same solution by inject- 
ing it into the wound. If wound swells and looks red inject 

daily with: 

Acetate of Lead i ounce. 

Sulphate of Zinc '2 " 

Carbolic Acid %, " 

Water i pint. 



588 THK PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

CASTRATION.— Pigs should be castrated at from two to 
three weeks old; never delay longer than the age of four weeks, 
since it requires about three weeks to recover from its effects 
before being weaned. 

In this operation with all animals use the Carbolic Acid 
solution freely: 

Carbolic Acid ^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Have a dish of it, into which the knife and anything else to 
be used during the operation are placed a few minutes before 
commencing to operate, and when the knife is not being used 
during the operation, place it back in the solution, and not down 
on some dirty board. Before making the incision into the 
scrotum, dash a little of the solution onto it and wash it off; and 
after finishing the operation, just before letting the animal up, 
dash a little of the solution into each wound. If there is any 
undue swelling after a day or two, separate the edges of the 
wound and syringe out freely with this solution. Repeat daily 
if necessary. 

The operation with young pigs is very simple. Let an assist- 
ant hold the pig on its back, with its head and shoulders between 
his knees and the legs spread apart. With a sharp knife cut 
down into the scrotum, and onto the testicle; press it out from 
the scrotum and cut the thin attachment holding the testicle to 
front of scrotum, and with a jerk break the cord; or the cord may 
be cut with a dull pair of shears to prevent bleeding. Dash into 
the wounds a little of the Carbolic solution. If there is swelling 
the second day, inject with the Carbolic solution. 

To castrate a boar, catch and turn him on his back and tie 
him securely. Place the right hand under the testicle and press 
it up to what is the top of the scrotum as the hog lies on his 
back; then take hold of the testicle with the left hand, and with 
a sharp knife in the right, make an incision in the scrotum large 
enough to allow the testicle to come out easily; commence the cut 
at the upper part so that there will be no pocket after hog is up. 
As soon as testicle is out, separate the covering from the testicle, 
where it is attached on the front side, by cutting the thin attach- 
ment. Pull the testicle and cord out three or four inches and tie 



DISEASES OF SWINE 589 

a strong cord tightly around ths cord to prevent bleeding; leave 
the ends of the string four or five inches long so they will hang 
out of the cut. If catgut string is used ends need not be left 
long. As soon as the cord is tied, cut the testicle off half inch 
below where it is tied, and proceed in same manner with other. 

In case of ruptured pigs or boars — which will be known by 
the enlarged scrotum, from the bowels coming out into it, and 
which can be recognized by the fact that on pressure they will go 
back to place, and immediately return when pressure is removed. 
Ruptured pigs should be castrated when young. If an old boar, 
Starve him for twenty-four hours to empty the bowels, and they 
will go back to place easier. Have help enough to hold the hind 
end of the pig well up while j^ou press the bowels back, and they 
will stay there while operating. Proceed as in other cases, except 
in making the incision be careful and do not cut through the last 
covering next to the testicle, but separate this from the outer 
covering and press it out along with the testicle; draw them down 
two or three inches and tie the string tightly around the cord and 
covering, and then cut off both testicle and covering one inch 
below the string. As a safeguard against the bowel coming out, 
in case the string slips off, the incision in the scrotum can be 
sewed up. After a couple of days, if the bowels do not come 
down, cut out the stitches and syringe out the wound with the 
Carbolic Acid solution. If ruptured on one side only, remove 
the other testicle first. If a small pig, let him run with others; 
if a large one, keep him in a quiet place, and feed him very 
lightly for a few days. 

PARALYSIS. — Sometimes a pig will become paralysed in 
its rear limbs, being unable to use these members. 

Causes. — Sometimes obscure, at other times perhaps due to a 
blow or other injury to the back. 

Symptoms. — The animal has lost all use of the rear limbs, 
and when it moves drags the rear parts. These parts have also 
lost their feeling to a very great extent. In other respects 
animal may appear quite normal. 



590 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Rather unsatisfactory-; feed on laxative food and give three 
times a day in the feed 5 to lo drops of Fluid Extract of Nux 
Vomica. Apply to the loins once a day with liberal rubbing a 
good liniment, as: 

Strong Aqua Ammonia 2 ounces. 

Turpentine 2 " 

Raw Linseed Oil 4 " 

RHEUMATISM. — Pigs sometimes seem to be aSected 
with this trouble. While the exact cause is not known, animals 
kept in dark, damp quarters without opportimity for exercise are 
most subject to disorder. 

Symptoms. — These vars- somewhat; the animal may be dull, 
partially off feed, and when it moves does so as if sore and stiff 
all over; in a more severe case, animal may refuse to get up, and 
cries with pain when forced to move; limbs may be swelled. 

Treatment. — 

Place in a warm, dr>' place, well littered, and feed sloppy 
food. For medium sized animal give 3 ounces of Epsom Salts. 
Also the following: 

Sweet Spirits of Niter \Yz ounces. 

Fluid Extract Colchicum Seed yi drachm. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna I " 

Water 8 ounces. 

Dose: i ounce four times a day. 

Also give Yx drachm of Salicylic Acid in a little milk three 
or four times a day. Keep covered with woolen blankets. 
Bottles of hot water placed around the animal under the blanket 
Vv'ould be good. 

BLACK TEETH IN YOUNG PIGS.— These are small, 
black teeth that are found in the mouth of young, new born pigs, 
and which continue to grow for some time after; but after a time 
they may drop out of their own accord. Sometimes, however, 
they grow in such a manner as to cut the tongue or cheek, and 
unless attended to cause the pig considerable annoyance. 



DISEASES OF SWINE 59i 

Treatment. — 

When a pig is not thri\'ing, examine his mouth to see that 
he is not suffering from laceration caused by such teeth, and if 
so, pull at once. If no laceration look elsewhere for cause of 
unthriftiness. 

FRACTURE OF A LEG.— 

Ca^^5<?5. — May be from various sources. A kick; getting the 
foot through a hole in the floor; being struck with a stone, and 
the like. 

Treatment. — 

If it is a fat animal and about ready to kill, butcher it at 
once. If a valuable animal and one j-ou wish to keep, and the 
bones do not come through the skin, it may be worth the trial of 
saving. Take a long bandage of cotton, soak it in a thick 
starch, as for starching clothes, draw it between the fingers, and 
scrape with a knife to get out a portion of the starch so it will 
dry quicker, then roll it up so it will be in shape to handle. Set 
the broken bone in place and wind the bandage on moderately 
tight. After it is on keep the leg and bandage straight until 
the bandage hardens. Keep the animal quiet, feeding it so it 
will not have to stir around. In three or four weeks, when the 
leg is healed, remove bandage by cutting it off. If break is in 
hip or where it cannot be set and bandaged, leave pig in quiet 
place, and sometimes the broken bone will knit together. Read 
article in Horse Department for fuller details. 

FARROWING, OR PIGGING. -The average time of 
gestation for sows is three months, three weeks and three days. 
There is, however, a variation of from twenty to thirty days. 
Young and weak sows carry their young a shorter time than 
older and stronger ones. In about a month and a half the sow 
begins to get large, and continues doing so until farrowing time. 
When the time comes, see that there is abundant short material 
for a bed, and in good warm quarters if in winter. Nothing 
is more susceptible to cold than a newly bom pig. A temperature 
of not lower than 65 is necessary until properly dried off and the 



592 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

teat is taken; then a temperature of not under 50 — 60 would be 
better — is necessary for their doing well. Just before the time 
approaches, the sow becomes uneasy and starts to make her bed. 
If disturbed she makes a fuss and seems excited. When the bed 
is made she seems sick and lies down; the labor pains come on; 
she will strain and the water bag will appear and break. If all is 
right she will soon be delivered of one; the front feet and head 
should come first, but sometimes the hind feet come first. In a 
few minutes she will strain again and another will soon be deliv- 
ered, and so on until the litter is complete. After this there is 
usually no trouble, unless there is too much bedding and she 
smothers or lies on the pigs. Sometimes in farrowing a pig will 
come crooked and get lodged in the passage, in which case the 
sow must be assisted. The pig may be coming head first with the 
front feet turned back, or coming breech first with the legs turned 
in under it, and in examination all you can feel is the tail and 
rump. If the sow is large enough, oil with Carbolized Lard and 
pass your hand into the passage; if the front legs are turned 
back, shove it back into the womb; catch the legs with your 
finger and bring them up even with the head, then pull legs and 
it will come right. If coming backward and the hind legs are 
turned under, shove the pig back into the womb and straighten 
out the legs so that the hind feet will come first. In doing this 
kind of work always have the hand well oiled and try and not 
bruise the passage, for it will swell and make the work still 
more difficult. If the pig is crowded well back in the passage- 
way with the front feet bent back, it may be possible to extract 
it without correcting the position by catching hold of the head 
with a pair of pig forceps, or by slipping a looped string into the 
mouth and slipping it down tight onto one of the jaws, or by 
crowding the looped end beyond the head and twisting down 
tight. A hooked wire may be used to advantage at times, 
especially if the pig is dead. A pig should not be allowed to 
block the passageway for any great length of time, as those un- 
born are apt to die if the straining is kept up. Gentleness is 
required in all this work, and everything used should be clean 
and well oiled. Read discussion of subject in Horse and Cattle 
Departments. 



DISKASES OF SWINE 593 

FEVER IN SOWS. — This disease is occasionally met 
with in sows, from varying causes. 

Symptoms. — When the pigs are farrowed and go to the teat 
they can get no milk, and on examination it will be found that 
the teats are soft instead of being full and hard, showing that no 
milk is being secreted. The sow seems sick and is feverish; 
takes but little or no notice of the little ones; will not eat, but is 
very thirsty and will drink a great deal if where she can get it. 

Treatment. — 

To a good sized sow give 4 ounces of Epsom Salts. Also 
give: 

Sweet Spirits of Niter y^ ounce. 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 5 to 10 drops. 

Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica 10 " 

Water 4 ounces. 

Repeat four times a day. 

Give soft feed, bathe milk glands three times a day with hot 
water, rubbing dry after each bathing and rubbing freely with: 

Spirits of Camphor 3 parts. 

Turpentine i part. 

Wipe off any excess of liniment so it will not irritate the pig' .9 
mouth. Keep the pigs sucking to encourage a flow of milk. 
Feed the pigs milk from a new milch cow, reducing the milk 
one-third with water and sweetening it with sugar. Feed with 
a spoon or let them suck from a bottle. By keeping up treatment, 
not forgetting to keep pigs at the teat as much as possible for a 
few days, the sow will probably come round to normal condition. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE MILK GLANDS IN A 
SOW.— 

Ca2ises. — Catching cold; losing part of the litter, and not 
having enough pigs to keep the milk glands properly drained 
out, for which reason they get so full of milk as to swell, become 
sore and inflamed. 

Symptoms. — Sow is dull, feverish, may refuse to eat; when 
pigs suck it causes pain, and they do not get much milk; milk 
glands are found on examination to be swollen, hard and tender 
to touch. 

38 



594 I'HE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Give the sow 4 ounces of Epsom Salts. Also give the fol- 
lowing; 

Saltpeter 3 drachms. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i drachm. 

Water 8 ounces. 

Dose: i ounce of the solution three times a 
da}'. 

Bathe the glands for an hour three times a day with hot 
water, rub dry after each bathing and apply with liberal rubbing 
Camphorated Oil, or: 

Spirits Camphor 3 ounces. 

Witch Hazel 3 " 

Turpentine i ounce. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i " 

Shake. 

If any abscesses form open and wash out with a Carbolic 
Acid solution. In severe cases wean the pigs. 

EVERSION OF THE WOMB, OR PIG BED 
TURNED OUT. — This is sometimes a result of farrowing 
where the sow lies in a place where her hind quarters are lower 
than the front; the womb works back in the passage, causing her 
pain; she strains and forces the womb inside out. 

Symptoms. — Are obvious. The womb, or pig bed, which is 
turned out behind, is larger than a man's head, and in a short- 
time becomes very red and swollen. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as seen, bathe the womb by pouring cold water over 
it to reduce swelling, and cleanse it. Apply the water for fifteen 
to thirty minutes, and then pour over it a little Carbolic Acid 
solution — Carbolic Acid, 2 teaspoonfuls; water, i pint. Have a 
couple of men raise the sow's hind parts straight up while you 
return the womb, beginning at the passage. Keep turning in 
until all is in the passage. Now oil hand and wrist with Carbol- 
ized Lard — Carbolic Acid, i teaspoonful; Melted Lard, 4 oimces — 
and pass hand into passage, pushing the womb back into place. 



DISEASES OF SWINE 595 

As soon as done, sew up the vulva, or entrance to passage, put- 
ting two or three deep stitches across it, just leaving opening 
enough at the bottom for sow to urinate. Leave stitches in from 
two to four days until she stops straining, then cut and pul 
them out. If she keeps straining after womb is replaced, give as 

a drench: 

Laudanum ; ]^ ounce. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna 10 drops. 

In a little water. 

Repeat in two hours if not relieved, and continue to do so 
once in three or four hours until straining stops, and apply to the 
loins large cloths wrung out from hot water. Give the sow 3 
ounces Epsom Salts and feed lightly upon sloppy food for four or 
five days. Also give the following: 

Sweet Spirits of Niter 2 ounces. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i drachm. 

Fluid Extract Aconite 15 drops. 

Water 8 ounces. 

Dose: i ounce three times a day. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. — This is an 

inflamed condition of the womb which sometimes follows far- 
rowing; it is apt to result where the womb has been everted; it 
also results from rough and careless assistance at farrowing, or 
from farrowing in a filthy, damp place; and again it occurs when 
there seems to have been no cause. 

Sympto77is. — It comes on from one to five or six days after 
farrowing; at first animal may appear to be doing nicely, but 
later shows dullness, refuses feed, desires to lie down, gives little 
or no milk, apt to show great thirst, may evince pain when flank 
is pressed against, vulva is apt to be swelled with a discharge 
from it; the animal has a fever, the temperature being from four 
to six degrees above normal (normal temperature of pig about 
102 degrees). 

Treatment. — 

Give the same treatment as recommended for the after- 
treatment in throwing out of the womb, giving about five times a 
day instead of three. The Laudanum and Belladonna given for 



596 THK PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

tlie straining may of course be omitted. Apply blankets wrung 
from hot water to the loins, changing frequently. Also well to 
flush out the womb twice a day with the following: 

Warm Water (temperature 115°)... i quart. 

Carbolic Acid I'/i teaspcx)nfuls. 

Alum }i ounce. 

To use take a piece of rubber tubing with funnel in one end, 
oil the other end, insert gently into the vulva, elevate the funnel 
and pour the solution into it. Watch for a little time to see that 
any straining which may follow does not throw out the womb. 
Give but little sloppy food if sow desires to eat ; feed pigs as in 
' ' Farrowing Fever. ' ' 

THUMPS.— This is a disease which attacks small pigs 
generally before weaning. 

Causes. — The disease is a result of a spasmodic contraction of 
the diaphragm, the exact cause of which is unknown. Seen most 
often in overfat pigs, which do not have sufficient exercise. 
Before the disease attacks them they are beautiful looking 
little fellows. 

Symptoms. — The animal is affected with a sort of hiccough, 
which is more or less continuous; this causes a jerking of the 
body, a sort of thumping, and hence the name. May also get a 
heavy beating of the heart. The little fellow refuses to eat, is 
much depressed and unless relieved will die. 

Treatment. — 

Prevention is better than cure; with heavy, milking sows, 
where the pigs are apt to become unduly fat, see to it that both 
mother and pigs take a good amount of exercise; also keep 
the bowels of mother active by use of laxative food. To pigs 
Vv^hich are aflPected with the disease, give from a teaspoonful to a 
tablespoonful of Epsom Salts, and i to 3 tablespoonfuls of Castor 
Oil. Also give the following: 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia... 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Tincture Digitalis Yz teaspoonful. 

Laudanum i " 

Tincture Belladonna i " 

Water 4 ounces. 

Dose: Teaspoonful to small pig before wean- 
ing; repeat every two to four hours. 



DISEASES OF SWINE 597 

If one pig of the litter shows trouble, give the remainder a 
laxative and more exercise; and also give the mother 4 ounces 
of Epsom Salts. 

HOW TO RING A PIG.— There are many who do not 
believe in the practice of ringing swine, except for stock that is 
being fattened, or fed in the fields with that end in view, since it 
prevents hogs from getting food in the natural way — by rooting. 
Make a noose on the end of a small rope, slip it into the animal's 
mouth and draw it tight over the upper jaw, and have the rope 
over a beam to draw the head uptight; have pincers and ring 
ready, and while the hog pulls back, close the ring on its nose 
so as to catch not over J^ of an inch on the gristle; this is done 
by pressing on and closing pincers over the ring. See that rings 
are not rusty, and put in from one to three rings, according to 
age and size. 



Note. — Swine are subject to many other disorders, the same 
as other animals, and need the same treatment for these dis- 
orders as described in the other departments, dosing according to 
size. 



POULTRY 

DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT 



APOPLEXY.— 

Causes. — The cause of this disease is over-feeding and con- 
finement in close quarters; with hens, perhaps the straining in 
laying the egg. 

Symptoms. — In mild cases the fowl may be moping for several 
days, but usually the trouble is not noticed until it falls and dies 
with hardly a struggle. 

Treatment. — 

There is generally no opportunity for treatment; in a mild 
case the same treatment as for vertigo would be indicated. The 
prevention lies in plenty of exercise and abstinence from over- 
stimulating food and well ventilated quarters. 

VERTIGO; CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN.— 

Causes. — Usually caused by strong feeding and lack of room 
for exercise; worms in the digestive tract; exposure to hot sun. 

Symptoms. — The fowl runs in a circle with but little control 
of its legs, or runs backward with head thrown up, and in some 
cases falls; has convulsive movements and may die. 

Treatment. — 

As soon as noticed hold the head of the fowl under a stream 
of cold water, which will soon give relief. About lo grains 
Jalap may be given after the water treatment, or a laxative in the 
form of about ^ drachm of Epsom Salts or a tablespoonful of 
Castor Oil. If due to worms, treat to remove these. Keep on a 
low diet and in a cool place. 

CATARRH, OR COLD.— 

Causes. — The causes are damp poultry houses, and roosting 
in exposed situations or in drafts. 

598 



DISEASES OF POULTRY 599 

Symptoms. — In simple catarrh or cold there will be swelling 
of the eyelids, a watery or other discharge from the nostrils, and 
the face may be more or less swollen at the sides. In very bad 
cases the breathing may be interfered with and the fowls appear 
dull. 

Treatment. — 

Remove to dry and better quarters. Give warm food liber- 
ally dusted with pepper. In bad cases, wash mouth, nostrils and 
eyes with an astringent wash, as: 

Alum, or Boracic Acid ^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

lyCt the bird inhale steam from water into which has been 
put a little Camphor and J^ teaspoonf ul Fluid Extract Belladonna. 

BRONCHITIS (Sometimes Called Croup).— 

Ca7ises. — Results when the effects of a cold extend into the 
air passages of the lungs. 

Symptoms. — There will be a cough, raising of the head to 
breathe, a more or less offensive smell, dullness, and upon 
listening to the breathing, a blowing or wheezing sound may be 
heard at the base of the neck. 

Treatment. — 

Place in fairly warm, clean, light, well-ventilated quarters. 
In severe cases mix and give: 

Calomel i grain. 

Tartar Emetic yi " 

Let the fowls drink the following solution: 

Chlorate of Potassium % ounce. 

Soft Water 2 quarts. 

Steam the head as in Catarrh. Some recommend lo drops 
of Turpentine in a teaspoonful of Castor Oil twice a day. As a 
prevention have proper care, cleanliness and good ventilation. 

ROUP— CONTAGIOUS CATARRH.— 

Causes. — Roup is a highly contagious disease, and one of the 
principal ones that afflict poultry. While neglected colds, or cold, 



6oo THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

damp conditions may predispose to it, the real cause is a micro- 
organism — hence its contagious nature. 

Symptoms. — Are at first like those of Catarrh of a severe type; 
but it terminates in a thick, opaque and offensive discharge from 
the nostrils. Froth appears at the inner corners of the eyes; the 
lids swell and often eyes are entirely closed; sides of the face are 
swollen, and bird rapidly loses strength, presents a very dejected 
appearance, and if not relieved soon dies. 

Treatment. — 

The first thing to do is to separate all affected fowls from the 
well ones. The separation must be complete, otherwise all will 
contract the disease. Remove the healthy to new quarters, as 
the quarters of the sick are infested with micro-organisms of 
the disease. The sick may be left where they are if quarters are 
desirable. 

With common fowls it may be as well to kill and burn as soon 
as the true nature of the disease is determined, as time required 
for treatment makes it expensive. 

Have dry, warm quarters, free from drafts, and give soft and 
stimulating food. Give as soon as possible, for a small fowl, i 
teaspoonful, or for a large fowl, i tablespoonful. Castor Oil. 
Syringe out the nostrils with a small syringe inserted in the slit 
of the roof of the mouth; also the eyes with: 

Boracic Acid Yz ounce. 

Carbolic Acid i teaspoonful. 

Water i pint. 

Three or four hours after giving oil, give the following: 

Balsam Copabia Yz ounce. 

Licorice Powder Y " 

Piperine >^ drachm. 

Mix and make into 30 doses, and give i two 
or three times a day. Steam head as in 
Catarrh. 

If affected fowls continue to grow worse, kill and burn them. 
Kerosene Oil is also recommended, injected into the nostrils, as 
is Camphorated Sweet Oil; and also Sulphate of Copper, i to 



DISEASES OF POUIvTRY 6oi 

2 teaspoonf uls to a pint of water. All dishes used should be disin- 
fected with a solution of Carbolic Acid or some equally good dis- 
infecting fluid. The house where the sick fowls have been kept 
must also be thoroughly disinfected and not used for other poul- 
try for a time. (See "Disinfection" under Hog Department.) 

DIPHTHERIA. — This disease by some is considered the 
same as Roup or Contagious Catarrh; by others it is considered 
to be a different disease. It is a contagious disease and is intro- 
duced and spread the same as other contagious disorders. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms are very similar to those of Roup, 
about the only difference being that in this disease there form on 
the tongue, in the mouth, throat, and perhaps in the windpipe, 
what are called false membranes, a grayish or yellow colored 
layer. If removed the tissues underneath are left raw and bleed- 
ing. For other symptoms see "Roup." 
Treatment. — 

The treatment is about the same as Roup, especially the 
washing of the affected parts with Carbolic Acid, 2 teaspoonf uls; 
Water, i pint. Paint the false membranes with Tincture of 
Iodine. Glycerine is also good to apply to them. 

As some cases are recorded where children seem to have con- 
tracted this disease from poultry, keep them away from the 
affected fowls. It is not, however, the same as the ordinary 
diphtheria affecting people. 

DIARRHEA.— 

Causes. — Inadequate shelter; cold, wet weather; filth, or 
from reaction after constipation caused by too little green food; 
also accompanies various diseases. 

Symptoms. — Are obvious. 

Treatment. — 

Remove the cause as far as possible, and feed on warm 

barley meal liberally sprinkled with powdered chalk; and give 

four times a day: 

Spirits of Camphor 3 drops. 

Laudanum 5 " 

Tincture Catechu 5 " 



6o2 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

In a pill of meal, or a little water. It is sometimes well to give a 
teaspoonful of Castor Oil at first. Give from i to 2 teaspoonfuls 
Copperas in each pint of drinking water. One drachm Subnitrate 
of Bismuth in a little I^inseed Meal gruel, divided into 30 doses, 
is oftentimes valuable. 

CHICKEN CHOLERA.— 

Causes. — A contagious disease caused by a micro-organism, 
predisposed by overcrowded, dirty quarters, unwholesome food 
and the like. 

Symptotns. — Fowl has a sleepy, droopy look; the feathers 
roughen, wings droop, head drawn toward the body, giving the 
fowl a ball-shaped form; is very thirsty and has slow gait; some- 
times staggering and falls from weakness. Comb and wattles 
lose their normal color, generally turning pale, though sometimes 
dark. The crop fills with gas and mucus, and at the last food is 
not digested. There is diarrhea with greenish, or sulphur-like 
discharge; passages frequent; breathing heavy and fast, eyes 
close, and after a few hours the fowl dies. 

Treatment. — 

First separate healthy from diseased and renovate the coops 
thoroughly; saturating the roosts, floor and sides with a so- 
lution of: 

Carbolic Acid l4 ounce. 

Water i pint. 

While different remedies have been recommended from time to 
time in the treatment of this disease, it is doubtful if any of them 
has much value. Isolation and careful disinfection will have to 
be relied on to check the spread of the disease. It is often best 
to kill and burn the first affected. All the droppings about the 
yard having the characteristic color of the disease should be 
gathered and burned and the ground wet with the Carbolic Acid 
solution. The following solution is sometimes used: 

Carbolic Acid i teaspoonful. 

Water i quart. 

Give I teaspoonful of the solution three times 
a day. 



DISEASES OF POUI.TRY 603 

A solution of Hyposulphite of Soda is also used; a tea- 
spoonful three or four times a day of the solution made by 
dissolving i to 2 ounces in a quart of water. One teaspoonful of 
Copperas dissolved in Vn pint water, and a teaspoonful of the 
solution given twice a day, may be of value. 

As a preventive with the unaffected, keep them strong and 
vigorous by the use of good feed and the following tonic- 
Gentian 2 ounces. 

Cooking Soda 2 " 

Niix Vomica i ounce. 

Charcoal 2 ounces. 

Give a tablespoonful in the feed twice a day 
for each 40 to 60 fowls. 

Thorough and continuous disinfection, and the isolation of 
the sick as soon as they show symptoms of sickness, must be the 
principal reliance in fighting this disease. 

PIP. — It is not a disease, but rather the result of one. A 
scale or crust forms on the tip of the tongue, as the result of 
inflammation of the mouth from various causes, perhaps breath- 
ing through the mouth when nostrils are closed. 

Treatment. — 

Do not tear the scale off, but rather soften it and thus hasten 
its coming off. If result of breathing through the mouth, remove 
this cause. Moisten the tongue with a mixture of equal parts of 
Glycerine and Witch Hazel. Syringe out mouth with the fol- 
lowing: 

Chlorate of Potash Yz ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Or with Boracic Acid same strength. Give teaspoonful Castor 
Oil and feed on soft food. 

GAPES.— 

Catises. — The cause is a parasitic worm, and occurs usually 
in chickens from two to four months of age. The worms are 
found in the windpipe attached to its lining. The female is 
about one-half inch in length; the male only about one-half this 
length; they are frequently attached to each other. 



6o4 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Symptoms. — The affected birds are seen to gape frequently, 
hence the name. In bad cases, become weak, wings droop, cough, 
and if one of the affected is destroyed and windpipe opened and 
examined, the worms may be seen. 

Treatment. — 

To cure the gapes strip a stiff feather almost to the tip, 
dip this in Spirits of Turpentine, and insert it into the opening 
to the windpipe at the base of the tongue; turn it around once 
or twice and withdraw; be gentle in this or it may kill the chick. 
Insert feather when entrance to windpipe opens in breathing. 
Give warm, dry shelter, good, soft food well mixed with black 
pepper, with skim milk to drink. A bit of Camphor the size of 
a grain of wheat, daily, is recommended; also 5 grain doses of 
Asafetida. 

In the case of very young chicks, who suffer most, the only 
remedial treatment that seems to be successful is rubbing the 
neck from time to time with I^ard or Vaseline, thoroughly mixed 
with a little Turpentine (3 parts of the Lard or Vaseline to i 
part of Turpentine). This treatment should begin before the 
disease makes its appearance. It will not help a chick in the last 
stages of the disease. Pure Turpentine will very quickly kill a 
chick when rubbed on the neck over the trachea. 

All the healthy should be separated at once from the diseased 
and put where the diseased have not been. Thoroughly disinfect 
the houses, runs and coops of those affected (see under "Roup") 
to destroy worms or eggs which may be in these places. The 
birds become affected by taking the worms or eggs with their 
food. 

CROP-BOUND.— 

Causes. — Usually irregular feeding. The hungry bird stuffs 
his crop to such a degree that the whole when moistened becomes 
a hard, compact mass. Sometimes a bone will serve as a nucleus 
for other material to gather round. 

Sympto7ns. — The bird is dull, refuses feed, appears drowsy, 
and the crop is enlarged and hard. 



DISEASES OF POUI.TRY 605 

Treatment. — 

Give a little Castor Oil, i teaspoonful. After giving the Oil 
work the end of the crop nearest the throat and try and break up 
the mass and vi^ork it back out of the mouth; hold the head down 
as it is worked out. By a little patience and the occasional use 
of Oil the mass can generally be removed; afterward feed lightly 
on soft feed for a few days. 

CANKER.— 

Causes. — Unsanitary quarters and musty or unwholesome 
food. 

Symptoms. — Running sores on the head and in the mouth or 
throat, accompanied with a watery discharge from the eyes. 

Treatment. — 

Wash head and swab out the mouth and throat with: 

Boracic Acid i^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Swab ulcers with: 

Carbolic Acid % ounce. 

Water i pint. 

And then apply a little burnt Alum. Feed on soft food. 

RHEUMATISM.— 

Causes. — Damp, unwholesome premises, and from chickens 
running about in the dew or wet in early season. Cramp is pro- 
duced by the same causes. 

Symptmns. — Most apt to affect feet or joint above, swell and 
and become painful; bird is lame, dislikes to stand and may re- 
fuse to walk. 

Treatment. — 

Prevention is very important. Good, clean, dry quarters, 
with plenty of nutritious food, varied as much as possible, is neces- 
sary in the treatment. The affected bird may also be given a 



6o6 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

laxative: Epsom Salts, V2 teaspoonful. Also give three times 
a day a solution of: 

Salicylic Acid i drachm. 

Water 3 ounces. 

Dose: i teaspoonful. 

Apply Spirits Camphor and Laudanum, equal parts, to the 
swellings. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE EGG PASSAGE.— The 

disease is rare, but sometimes occurs. 

Symptoms. — If the inflammation is at the lower end of the 
passage, the &^^ is without shell; if at the middle portion, the 
membrane is misshapen or incomplete; if the whole passage is in- 
flamed, the yolk is passed out without any covering; also get 
misshapen ed eggs and eggs without yolk, or eggs with more or 
less blood. The laying of soft shelled eggs is not an evidence of 
inflammation; it may be from being driven about, or from lack 
of lime material. In inflammation there will be fever, and the 
feathers, over the back especially, will be ruflBed, the hen moping 
and at times trying to discharge contents of the passage. 

Treatment. — 

The following is good: 

Calomel i grain. 

Tartar Emetic ^j " 

Give in a little Gelatine. 
Or: Epsom Salts, y^z teaspoonful; give in a little water. 
Keep the hen on nourishing but not stimulating food, and 
give I teaspoonful of the following three times a day: 

Cooking Soda i teaspoonful. 

Tincture of Aconite 10 drops. 

Tincture of Belladonna 20 " 

Water 3 ounces. 

If the fowl is not a valuable one, the best thing is to kill it. 

LICE.— There are two varieties, one the common hen louse 
and the "hen spider," the latter being almost microscopic. 



DISEASES OF POULTRY 607 

Treatment. — 

For the first, Scotch Snuff or the Flowers of Sulphur is said 
to be efficacious, using it to sprinkle both the breeders and nests. 
The little lice are best exterminated by fumigation and insecti- 
cides. A good plan is to drive the fowls from the hen house, 
and close it tight, then put a pound or more of Sulphur in a pot, 
and set it on fire with coals, and keep it burning for several 
hours. Be careful about inhaling the fumes. Then open doors 
and clean the place thoroughly, for no half way measures will 
count. Put in plenty of hardwood ashes and coal dust for the 
hens to roll in. Cover the floor and roosts and sprinkle into all 
cracks road dust. This will kill the lice. After about a week 
repeat the fumigation and the ashes and coal dust. Whitewash 
everything in the hen house, and change the straw in the nests. 
If your building cannot be closed tight enough to fumigate, then 
clean and scrub every part of the building, and cover every 
surface and fill every crack with whitewash, to which a little 
Carbolic Acid, 3 ounces to a gallon, has been added. Wash the 
perches, nests, etc., with a solution made by adding i pound of 
Potash to a quart of water; or spray house thoroughly with 
Kerosene Oil. Make an application of Flowers of Sulphur or 
Pyre thrum Powder to the fowls themselves. The fowls them- 
selves may be dipped in: 

Creolin 2% ounces. 

Water i gallon. 

Or some of the Coal-Tar products may be used for dipping, as 
Zenoleum or Kreso. In case of small chicks grease with pure 
lard. 

WORMS. — Poultry, like other animals, are apt to be 
affected with worms in the intestines, both the round worms and 
tapeworms; especially is this true where they are kept upon the 
same, and rather small, runs year after year. 

Symptovis. — There is nothing very characteristic about the 
symptoms; the birds appear dull, are poor, may have diarrhea; 
but upon opening the intestines of one which had died or been 
killed, the worm will be found. 



6o8 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatmknt. — 

For the round worms Turpentine is good, lo to 15 drops in 
a teaspoonful of Castor Oil. Sulphate of Iron given in the feed 
is good, ^ teaspoonful for 60 birds. Santonin, i drachm to each 
20 fowls, is also good. For tapeworms: 

Areca Nut 20 grains. 

Oil Male Fern 5 to 10 drops. 

Turpentine 10 " 

Castor Oil i teaspoonful. 

Give after keeping bird away from food 

eighteen hours. 

LEG WEAKNESS.— 

Causes. — A disease of young fowls, and more generally of 
young males. It sometimes arises from inbreeding, or breeding 
the same strain of fowls too long. The larger breeds are most 
subject to it; also improper feeding and too close confinement. 

Symptoms. — The bird is unable to stand, and walks, if at all, 
with great difficulty. Upon examination, legs are found to be 
free from swellings or soreness. 

Treatment. — 

The remedy is a nourishing diet, with a due proportion of 
insect or animal food. From 3 to 8 grains of Citrate of Iron may 
be given daily as a tonic. A mixture composed of: 

Sulphate of Iron 2 ounces. 

Phosphate of Lime 2 " 

May be used as a tonic. Give an amount as large as two peas on 
the tongue twice a day, or mix in the feed. Give an opportunity 
for exercise. 

SCALY LEGS.— 

Causes. — A contagious disease which is caused by a small 
parasite that burrows under the skin. 

Treatment. — 

The most effective remedy is to dip the fowl's legs up to the 
feathers in Kerosene Oil. This is said by authority to be very 
effective and not harsh. Or, clean the houses thoroughly and 



DISEASES OF POUI.TRY 609 

especially use Kerosene freely on the roosts, and also paint the 
legs of the fowl with Kerosene Oil three times a week until the 
scales drop off; then scrub the legs with soap and water and rub 
every other day with Vaseline. This will cure the trouble if it is 
not too bad. 

The diseased should be separated from the healthy and the 
house thoroughly treated, as recommended with "Lice." 

Before applying treatment soak the legs in warm water and 
remove all loose scales. 

Dip or soak legs in Creolin Solution, as recommended in 
treatment for "Lice." 

BLACK HEAD; CONTAGIOUS INFLAMMATION 
OF INTESTINE AND LIVER.— This is a disease which has 
been reported from various parts of the country for the past 
twelve to fifteen years. It is especially prevalent in New 
England. The disease affects turkeys. It is caused by a micro- 
organism belonging to a class known as the Protozoa. These 
parasites are taken along with the food or drink, and upon reach- 
ing the caeca, the two blind portions of the intestinal tract, they 
multiply, set up inflammation, enlarging these organs and 
thickening their walls. They also pass to the liver and produce 
in this organ discolored spots of a grayish or a yellowish color; 
the liver is also very much enlarged. 

Symptoms. — The disease generally runs a slow course, and at 
first the symptoms are hardly noticeable; a little dullness, hanging 
behind the flock or not going with them, and sooner or later 
diarrhea and unthriftiness. Very often the comb, wattles and 
perhaps the skin about the head becomes black or dark colored; 
hence the common name. The post mortem shows the internal 
symptoms already given. Young fowls are more apt to contract 
the disease, but it often runs a lingering course, so that death 
may not occur until fall. On the other hand, they may die in a 
few w^eeks. 

Treatment. — 

Medicinal treatment is entirely unsatisfactory, except, per- 
haps, keeping the turkeys vigorous by the use of the tonics as 



6io THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



recommended for ' ' Chicken Cholera. ' ' The Copperas or Hypo- 
sulphite of Soda may also be added to the drinking water. 

. The disease having once made its appearance, all the flock 
which survive should be killed and the raising of turkeys discon- 
tinued for a 5'ear or tvvO at least. All runs and houses thoroughly 
disinfected, and when the raising of turkeys is again tried, start 
by getting eggs, and keep the birds out of the old houses and oS 
the old runs if possible. 



POULTRY HOUSES 

]§li, 



Fig. I — A I,ean-to Poultry House 



DISEASES OF POULTRY 



6ii 



POULTRY HOUSES.— It is very desirable that poultry 
should be provided vi^ith a house somewhat separated from the 
other farm buildings, but near enough to the barnyard so that 
they can spend a part of their time in scratching for, and gather- 
ing up, the many seeds and grains v.'hich otherwise would not 
be utilized. On farms where no poultry house is provided the 
hens are compelled to seek roosting places wherever they can 
find them — sometimes in fruit trees, sometimes on feed racks. 




Fig. 2— simple Form of Poultry 
House 



PR OUNO PLAH . 



Fig. 3 — Ground Plan of Simple 
l-oriu of Poultry House 



sometimes on the farm machiner\', or even the wagons and car- 
riages. The result is not only untidiness, but fruit, feed, imple- 
ments and wagons are soiled and injured by the droppings, and 
sometimes vermin swarm in the roosting places to such a degree 
that the hens are voted a nuisance rather than a desirable part 
of a farm stock. If these vermin-infested places are near the 




Fig. 4— Poultry House with 
Scratching Shed 





GROUND 


PLAN 




1 — 1 






IKfOSTg, A/csr^ 






OPtN 






SHtO 


OOOR 




ODtK 



Fig. 5— Ground Plan of Poultry 
House with Scratching Shed 



horse stable, the mites may attack the horses, causing itching 
and a mangy condition of the skin, the origin of which is not 
always suspected. 



PREFERABLE CONDITIONS.— Poultry houses need 
not be elaborate in their fixings nor expensive in construction. 



6l2 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



There are certain conditions, however, which should be insisted 
upon in all cases. In the first place, the house should be located 
upon soil which is well drained and dry. A gravelly knoll is 
best, but failing this, the site should be raised by the use of the 
plow or scraper until there is a gentle slope in all directions 
sufficient to prevent any standing water even at the wettest times. 




Fig. 6— Construction of Roosts 

A few inches of sand or gravel on the surface will be very useful 
in preventing the formation of mud. If the house is sheltered 
from the north and northwest winds by a group of evergreens, 
this will be a decided advantage in the colder parts of the 
country. 

UNUSED BUILDINGS.— Sometimes there is already on 
the farm a small building which has been used for implements or 



ToTT 



PLATFORM 



f/SSTS 



M£STS 



M£ST5 



Fig. 7— Sectional View of Platform and Nests 



animals, and which is no longer needed for those purposes. Such a 
building may be easily fitted for poultry by cutting a small door 
in one side and placing roosts and nests in the interior. 



DISEASES OF POULTRY 



61'? 



INEXPENSIVE STRUCTURES.— In case there is no 
building suitable for remodeling into a poultry house, an 
inexpensive lean-to may be built (Fig. i), or a new building 




Fig. 8— Sectional View of Concealed or Darkened Nest 

constructed. A house for this purpose should be planned with a 
view to simplicity, economy and convenience, while supplying 
the conditions proper for successful poultry keeping. One of the 
simplest forms of poultry house is shown in Fig. 2, and the ground 




^.^-- 



Allllilil ij 111 I, L\,i.; 



Fig. 9— Concealed or Darkened Nest 



6i4 



THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



plan of the same, Fig, 3. A scratching shed may be attached to 
the side of this house, as in Figs. 4 and 5, which, if desired, may 
be inclosed in front with poultry wire, so as to keep the birds 
confined, 

FITTINGS.— 

Roosts. — The details of construction of roosts are seen in 
Fig. 6. The important points are nearly flat or rounded surface 
on the upper side and as few cracks and crevices as possible in 




Fig. 10— Scratching Room Under Poultry House 

which vermin may hide. The roosts may be made of 2 x 3 inch 
scantling, and should be put in so that they can be easily removed 
at any time for cleaning and disinfection. A platform is often 
placed under the roosts to catch the droppings, and the nests are 
placed under this platform. In the house, such as Fig. 7, the 
manure platform may be dispensed with and the nest boxes placed 
along the front or sides of the building. 

Nests. — The simplest form of nest is a box placed upon the 
floor of the poultry house. With heavy fowls, which are apt to 
break their eggs in fighting away other hens that try to enter 



DISEASES OF POULTRY 



615 



their nests when they are laying, and thus acquire the habit of 
egg-eating, a more concealed or dark nest may be necessary. 
See Figs. 8 and 9. 

Floor. — One of the most troublesome parts of the poultry 
house to make satisfactory is the floor. Many use earth floors, 
but these are often damp, especially, and induce rheumatism, 
colds, roup, digestive disorders, and various other diseases. 
Some have put in cement floors, but have found these cold and 
also more or less damp. Probably a good cement floor laid on 




Fig. II— Double Poultry House with Scratching Sheds 

broken stone and covered with a few inches of earth, would be 
satisfactory if not too expensive. A board floor 6 or 8 inches 
above the earth, with a good ventilation under it, is dry but too 
cold except in the South. A good double flooring, laid tightly 
with building paper between, or a good single flooring covered 



aiiOUND PLAN 




Fig. 12 — Ground Plan of Double Poultry House with Scratching Sheds 

with a few inches of dry earth, is probably the best. In all cases 
of board floors there should be sufficient space beneath for venti- 
lation and to guard against the lodgment of rats. 

GOOD PLANS. — A good style of poultry house, with 
scratching room under it, is shown in Fig. 10. In case more than 
one flock is to be kept, the plan shown in Figs. 11 and 12 have 
been found satisfactory, and may be mutiplied to any extent by 



6t' 



THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 



adding to the ends. With such houses there may be fenced runs 
at the back or front, or on both sides, so that the birds may be 
kept confined. 

SPACE TO BE ALLOWED.— The amount of space to 
be allowed to each bird depends upon the size of each bird, 
whether a shed is attached to the house or whether the fowls 




Fig. 13— Common A-shaped Coop with Sliding Slat 

have a free run of the open fields. For birds in confinement there 
should be from 6 to 15 square feet for each adult bird in case 
there is no shed attached to the house, and with a shed this space 
may be reduced about one-half. The yards should be large 
enough to allow exercise in the open air, and to furnish more 
grass than the birds will eat. This will vary from 60 to 150 
square feet per adult fowl. The open shed facing the south, 
where the birds can be induced to hunt for their food and take 




Fig. 14— Chicken Coop with Inclosed Run 



exercise at all seasons of the year, and where they can enjoy the 
pleasure of scratching and dusting themselves in the sunshine, 
even in winter months, is of great assistance in maintaining the 



DISEASES OF POULTRY 



617 



health and productiveness of the flock. The roosting space 
allowed should be 6 to 8 inches for the smaller breeds, 8 to 10 
inches for the medium breeds, and 10 to 12 inches for the larger 
breeds. 




Fir. 15 — Chicken Coop with I<arge and Inclosed Hawk-proof and Cat-proof Run 

VENTILATION.— Poultry houses should be well ven- 
tilated, but so arranged that drafts will not strike the birds. 
Windows and doors should be provided in such locations that the 
sun may shine into the building a considerable part of the day. 
Sunshine is required both to keep the house dry and to destroy 
the various forms of infection. 




Fig. 16— Coop with Glass-covered Run 

POULTRY COOPS.— A liberal supply of coops should be 
provided for the confinement of hens with broods of small chicks, 
and for those hens which insist upon setting at inconvenient 
times. A few days in solitary retirement will usually break up 
the desire to set, and the hens will soon after resume laying. 



6i8 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



A common A-shaped coop is one of the easily constructed 
and convenient forms in use. The one disadvantage connected 
with it is the difficulty of removing the feeding and drinking 
vessels for cleaning, or of catching a bird in it without danger of 
some other bird escaping. To obviate this, one of the slats may 
be made to slide, as in Fig. 13. The opening made by sliding 
this slat is sufficient to admit the hand and arm so that any part 
of the coop may be reached without leaving an avenue of escape 
unguarded. Other forms of coops for the same purpose are shown 
at Figs. 1 4 and 1 5 . For early hatched chicks, which come out when 
the atmospheric temperature is so low as to be injurious to them, 
a combination of coop and glass-covered run, as shown in Fig. 16, 
has been found very useful. 

FEED TROUGHS AND DRINKING FOUNTAINS.— 

Two forms of feed troughs are represented in Fig. 17. For the 
small chicks the troughs must be very shallow, or for the few 




Fig. 17 
Two Forms of Feed Troughs 




Fig. iS 
A Drinking Fountain Made of a Can 



days the feed may be placed upon a square piece of board. 
Numerous forms of drinking fountains have been devised. A 
good fountain is easily made by cutting a small hole in a tin can, 
as shown in Fig. 18, filling the can with water, covering with a 
shallow pan or vessel of any kind, and then inverting the whole. 
The shallow vessel will remain filled with water as high as the 
top of the aperture until the can is exhausted. It is important 



DISEASES OF POULTRY 



619 



that fresh, pure water should always be accessible to fowls, and 
the drinking fountains should be cleaned and filled two or three 
times a day, if possible, and underno circumstances less frequently 
than once a day. 

RANGING OF FOWLS.— Poultry may be raised with 
the greatest economy on the large farms of the country, where 
there is unlimited range, and exhaustless supply of insects and 
worms, and an abundance of seeds and grains going to waste 




Fig. 19 — Colouy House 

which poultry alone can utilize. Under such circumstances fowls 
take care of themselves so well and are so energetic in seeking 
their food that they are either forgotten and allowed to shift for 
themselves when they really need attention and assistance, or 
they are regarded as a nuisance because they do a little damage. 



620 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 




Fig. 20— Colony House 




Fig. 21— Colony House 



DISEASES OF POUI.TRY 621 



When fenced away from the gardens and flower beds, fowls do 
little damage and cause scarcely any annoyance on a farm. On 
the other hand they do an immense amount of good in the 
protection of crops by the destruction of injurious insects, larvae 
and worms. 

COLONIES. — Sometimes it is advisable to divide the farm 
flock into colonies, and place these at different points on the farm, 
in order to secure additional range; to remove the birds tem- 
porarily to a distance from certain crops, or for other purposes. 
In this case cheap, light and easily handled colony houses (Figs. 
19, 20 and 21) may be constructed and placed where the fowls 
are desired to range. After being confined in these houses a few 
nights the birds will adopt them as their habitations and return 
to them. — U. S. Bulletin. 



A TEN DOLLAR POULTRY HOUSE.— A cheap and 
at the same time substantial poultry house, containing 100 square 
feet of floor space, can be built for ten dollars by any man or boy 
of ordinary ingenuity. All the tools needed are a saw, hatchet, 
square and screw driver. These are usually the property of any 
householder. The materials used are: 

200 feet of 8-foot fencing, pt $14.50 $ 3 48 

200 feet of lo-foot flooring (2d quality), Ji6 2 96 

4 ten -foot boards, 12 inches wide, at |i8 72 

3 two-by-four scantling, 10 feet long 21 

2 bundles lath 30 

2 second-hand sashes i 00 

20 pounds tar paper, at 3c 60 

I pair half-strap hinges 15 

Nails, etc., and paint 58 

Total $10 GO 

The fencing comes 6 inches wide, and the flooring about the 
same width. No posts are used in this plan, and the house is 
none the less strong. To construct it, first saw twenty of the 
fencing boards to 6 feet long for the back of the house, and saw 
the waste ends of these to 2 feet long. Rip one of the 12 inch 
boards into two 6 inch boards, one of which is for the base of the 



622 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



back of house, and the other is to be again ripped into two 3 inch 
strips, upon which nail the 2 feet fencing pieces, leaving two 
pieces loose near each end of the doors. This forms the base of 




Fig. I 

the front. The base of the whole house can now be nailed to- 
gether, using two of the wide boards for the sides. 

The front base slants outward (see Fig. i). The frame is 
then constructed by erecting a long fencing board at three feet 
from the front end of each side base and a shorter one at rear 
end of each, as Fig. i, which shows these boards trimmed to fit 






Fig. 2 



Utyder the roof. These two sets of uprights are then connected 
by scantling for the roof; under the ends of these scantling fenc- 
ing boards are nailed, which hold the third scantling in place to 
support the center of the roof. The top of the longest board is 



DISEASES OF POULTRY 



^23 



then connected with the front base by a fencing board, and two 
boards nailed across the front to support the sash. The whole 
frame is then complete. 

Figs. I and 2 show the full details of the frame. The boards 
for back, sides and roof can then be nailed on, flooring boards 
being used for roof. "When the sashes are adjusted in their 
proper places on the front, with strips of tin above them to turn 
water, flooring boards are sawed to proper length and fitted on. 
The ventilator is made with four flooring boards* its lower end is 
near the floor at center of house. 

The remaining 12 inch board is for base of the partition, a 
narrower board for top and lath nailed on close, divides the house 
into two compartments for two pens for fowls, or a pen of fowls 
and room for young chicks, or two rooms for young chicks of 




Fig- 3 

different ages. The cracks on sides and back of house are stripped 
with lath; the inside of house is lined with tar paper, and the 
roof and front painted with a cheap mineral paint, which renders 
the house waterproof, as the boards are tongued and grooved. 
This makes it warm enough for almost any latitude. For the 
south the strips and tar paper might be dispensed with. The 
slant of sash is suflScient to shut out the perpendicular rays 
of the sun in summer and flood the whole floor with warmth in 
winter. 

An outside door and a gate in the partition makes the whole 
house of easy access. The small doors for fowls are made on the 
trap door principle, and open and close by a cord attached to 



624 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

the fastening bolt, which is heavy enough to fall into place when 
the cord is slackened. Sufficient scrap pieces will be left to make 
feed, dust and nest boxes, and the inside arrangements can be 
made to suit the owner. The floor is earth, packed hard and 
covered with gravel; on top of which for young chicks scatter 
grass. 

It will readily be seen this plan can be extended an indefinite 
length by the addition of three posts every lo feet to support the 
roof. — American Pojiltry Jotirnal. 

POULTRY POINTERS.— A successful raiser of poultry 
gives the following pointers in the Standard American Poultry 
Book: 

In raising poultry or stock of any kind it should be the aim 
of everyone to keep it healthy and improve it. You can do it 
very easily by adopting some systematic rules. These may be 
summed up as follows: 

I, — Construct your house good and warm, so as to avoid 
damp floors and afford a flood of sunshine. Sunshine is better 
than medicine. 

2. — Provide a dusting and scratching place where you can 
bury wheat and corn, and thus induce the fowls to take a needful 
exercise. 

3. — Provide yourself with some good healthy chickens, never 
to be over three or four years old, giving one cock to every 
twelve hens. 

4. — Give plenty of fresh air at all times, especially in summer. 

5. — Give plenty of water daily, and never allow the fowls to 
go thirsty. 

6. — Feed them systematically two or three times a day. 
Scatter the food so they can't eat it too fast or without proper 
exercise. Do not feed more than they will eat up clean, or they 
will get tired of that kind of feed. 

7. — Give them a variety of both dry and cooked feed. A 
mixture of cooked meat and vegetables is an excellent thing for 
their morning meal. 



DISEASES OF POULTRY 625 

8. — Give soft feed in the morning and the whole grain at 
night, except a little wheat and cracked corn placed in the 
scratching places to give them exercise during the day. 

9. — Above all things, keep the house clean and well venti- 
lated. 

10. — Do not crowd too many into one house; if you do, look 
out for disease. 

II. — Use Carbolic Powder occasionally in the dusting bins 
to destroy lice. 

12. — Wash your roosts and bottom of laying nests, and 
whitewash once a week in summer and once a month in winter. 

13. — Let the old and young have as large a range as possible, 
the larger the better. 

14.— Don't breed too many kinds of fowls at the same time, 
unless you are going into the business. Three or four kinds will 
more than keep your hands full. 

15. — Introduce new blood into your stock every year or so, 
by either buying a cockerel or a setting of eggs from some reliable 
breeder. 

16. — In buying birds or cages, go to some reliable breeder 
who has his reputation at stake. You may have to pay a little 
more for birds, but you can depend on what you get. Culls are 
not cheap at any price. 

17. — Save the best birds for next year's breed, and send the 
others to market. In shipping fancy poultry to market send it 
dressed. 

ARTICLES OF POULTRY DIET.— Potatoes are 
rather poor food used alone, contributing almost nothing to the 
fatty tissues, and very little, if anything, to the growth of bone. 
They are, however, quite useful, if boiled and mashed up with 
other things which can supply that which they lack. Indian 
com or oatmeal are good things to mix with them. 

Broom-corn seed is sometimes fed. It will not be eaten 
whole, at least not with great relish, but must be ground. 

40 



626 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Green-cut bone is excellent for the fowls, as they enjoy it, 
but care should be taken to see that the bones are fresh. 

Scalded curd may sometimes make up a part of the poultry 
bill of fare. 

Brewers' grains, if fed alone, cause diarrhea. If kept on 
hand they are liable to ferment. To prevent this, put them into 
a hogshead two- thirds full, and fill up with cold water. The 
grain was waterlogged before, and a little more water does no 
harm. 

Fine hay, or rowen, or clover, or alfalfa chopped, and then 
soaked or scalded, is excellent for winter use. 

Cocoanut meats — namely, the outer part of the kernel — dried 
(ground), are prepared at the factories, and sold at a rate not 
much higher per pound than pork scraps. Fowls are said to 
relish them highly. 

Hemp seed, in limited quantities, is used to give a gloss to 
the plumage. It makes the plumage of quails black. If fed 
daily it is injurious to poultry. 

Millet is excellent for small chickens, being easily swallowed 
by them. Sunflower seed may be fed freely. It promotes laying, 
increases the gloss of the plumage, and the general health. 

Charcoal must be furnished in small pieces. In some cir- 
cumstances fowls crave it and will devour it with avidity. Fowls 
enjoying a free range seldom care for it, however, which indicates 
of course that they do not need it, — Poultry World, 




THE CHILDREN'S FRIEND— A GOOD DOG. 



THE DOQ 

DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT 



Much of the sickness occurring among dogs is due to 
ignorance as to cleanliness and the proper method of feeding. 

One of the most important things to be considered in the 
care of a dog is his feeding. The same general rule may be 
observed in the feeding of dogs, no matter what breed they may 
belong to, though the character and quantity of the food should 
differ somewhat, according to the breed of the dog and the use to 
which he is put. 

Small house or pet dogs certainly do not require the same 
amount of nutrition that hunting dogs do, as in the former there 
is little waste of tissue, while in the latter, from the violent 
character of the exercise he undergoes while at work, there is 
great waste of tissue, which must necessarily be supplied through 
the diet. 

One general rule may be observed in the feeding of all 
puppies, no matter what may be their breed, from the time of 
their weaning until they reach the age of maturity, which varies 
somewhat according to breed. For instance, the smaller breeds, 
such as toy terriers and pet dogs, mature at the age of about 
fifteen months, whereas the larger breeds, such as mastiffs and 
St. Bernards, are hardly thoroughly matured at the age of 
two years. 

THE PROPER FOOD FOR PUPPIES.— Puppies are 
usually weaned at the age of five or six weeks. For about three 
weeks after that time it is advisable to keep them almost ex- 
clusively on a milk diet, allowing a little stale bread which may be 
broken in the milk, which should always be well boiled, as sweet 
milk unboiled not only engenders worms, but also is liable to 
cause serious looseness in the bowels, owing to the marked 

627 



628 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

difference between the cow's milk and that furnished by the 
puppy's mother. The former lacks the sugar of milk which 
strongly predominates in the mother's milk. 

After the third week soup may be allowed, also a small 
quantity of well cooked meat, chopped fine. As the character of 
the puppy's stomach changes, so must his food. The best soup 
is beef or mutton broth. From this time on vegetable diet may 
be gradually introduced. 

The old, fallacious idea of feeding puppies on milk and meal 
has long since been abandoned by the best informed breeders. 

For as the dog is by nature carniverous I consider he requires 
some meat diet to enable him to enjoy perfect health and strength, 
and it is especially requisite that while a puppy is growing he 
should be provided with such food as will make bone and muscle. 
We frequently find defective nutrition in the bone structure, 
causing what is generally termed Rickets, which is made evident 
by crooked limbs and enlarged joints. This malady may be pre- 
vented by giving in the food Carbonate and Phosphate of Lime, 
which are bone making materials. 

From the age of six months to one year puppies should be 
fed not less than three times daily. Thereafter twice a day is 
suflScient, feeding lightly in the morning and making their even- 
ing meal the chief one, as digestion goes on much better in a dog 
while at rest than in action. 

FOOD FOR GROWN DOGS.— No dog in health can be 
fed better than from the scrapings from the table, whereby he 
gets a variety of diet, consisting of meat, bread and well cooked 
vegetables of all kinds. Potatoes are not so easily digested by 
dogs as other kinds of vegetables, and consequently should be 
well mashed. From the fact that a dog's stomach closely 
approaches in character that of a human being, one may say 
that what is good for a man is good for a dog. 

The old idea of keeping dogs on corn meal to a great extent 
is a very erroneous one, as it not only is deficient in nutrition, 
but is also very heating to the blood. 

Dogs require some cooling food, which is only obtained 
through a vegetable diet. 



DISEASES OF THE DOG 629 

A pet dog of course requires a small amount of food com- 
pared with that needed by a hunting dog. The latter may be 
allowed all the meat they can consume while they are at work, 
for in no animal is the waste of tissue so rapid as in this dog. 

A dog taken into the field in the morning comparatively fat 
will return at night after a hard day's work showing a loss in 
weight of between three and five pounds, enough to make the 
animal appear thin. 

HINTS ABOUT KENNELS.— To begin with, kennels 
should be kept scrupulously clean and disinfected as frequently 
as is necessary, which is probably once or twice a week. I con- 
sider the most effective germicide to be a solution of Bichloride of 
Mercury — Bichloride of Mercury, i part; Water, 1,000 parts; 
use with caution; or Creolin — sufficient is used to turn water 
white. The Creolin solution is non-poisonous and is very good. 

Kennels should be located on high, dry ground having proper 
drainage, as dampness is apt to cause rheumatism. 

Dogs should at all times have access to fresh, cool water. 

As a summer bedding, nothing is better than cedar or pine 
shavings, as fleas do not take kindly to the odors of these woods. 

Regular exercise of at least two hours a day is almost im- 
perative to a dog's well-being. Few if anj^ dogs kept in the city 
get this amount of exercise, and are in consequence more liable 
to sickness than dogs kept in the country, especially those that 
are at liberty at all times. 

No dog should have a chain put on him before he is one year 
of age, except sufficiently to chain-break him. A dog raised 
from puppyhood on the chain, which is a direct contradiction to 
nature, will, by pulling on the chain, combined with a lack of 
exercise, become ill-shapen in limbs and body. It is exercise and 
good feeding which develop our most perfect specimens. 

EXERCISE AND GROOMING.— Once a week is quite 
often enough for a dog to be washed, first using tepid and rinsing 
with cold water. He should then be rubbed as dry as possible 
and encouraged to play or exercise until he is thoroughly dry. 



6:^ THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

In order to keep a dog's coat in nice condition he should be 
groomed daily, using a stiff bristle brush, which is far preferable 
to the wire brushes sometimes used for that purpose, as it does 
not irritate the skin, but improves the capillary or surface circu- 
lation. 

The above rules apply generally to all dogs. 

//. Clay Glover, D. V. S. 

DISTEMPER.— This is the bane of the canine. It is very 
common in dogs from three to six months of age, but aflflicts them 
at all ages, especially during the fall, winter and spring months. 
It is contagious. 

Causes. — It is caused by a parasite or germ getting into the 
blood. 

Symptoms. — There is langor, loss of appetite and redness of 
eyes; nose hot and dry; urine high colored; bowels sometimes 
constipated and sometimes loose, but discharges always offensive; 
there is much disinclination to move. In a few days hair becomes 
dry; there is discharge from nose, eyes, and sometimes from 
penis. Symptoms become more aggravated. If bowels are the 
seat of complications there will be black, offensive feces, streaked 
with mucus. If skin is affected there will be pustules inside the 
thighs, arms and along the belly; these fill and discharge a dark 
watery matter. If in the brain, there is great heat; a desire to 
raise head up against hand when stroking, and fits usually follow. 

Treatment. — 

The treatment is simple. Isolate dog from all companions 
in a dry, warm room with good ventilation, and encourage appe- 
tite by nourishing foods, such as broths, new milk, etc. At the 
outset of the disease give a teaspoonful of the following mixture: 

Tincture of Aconite ij^ drachms. 

Spirits of Niter 2 ounces. 

Muriate of Ammonia \% drachms. 

Chlorate of Potash 3 " 

Syrup of Orange Water to make. 4 ounces. 

Give as above every two hours until 6 doses 
have been given; then four times a day until 
fever subsides. 



DISEASES OF THE DOG 631, 

Follow this with equal parts Saltpeter, Sulphur and Powdered 
Gentian, by weight; mix thoroughly; give a large dog Yz teaspoon- 
ful three times a day in milk or on tongue, and allow him plenty 
of fresh water to drink; ^^•ash discharges from his nose and eyes 
and afterward dry them with a soft cloth. If bowels are costive, 
give from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful of the Syrup of Buck- 
thorn, according to size, once a day until the bowels move freely; 
then once or twice a week to keep them in condition, but never 
use drastic purgatives. Treat complications which may arise, as 
Chorea, Fits, or L-ung troubles, as directed under those headings. 

COLDS, COUGHS AND LUNG DISEASES.— Dogs 

often catch cold, cough, run at the nose, sneeze and have consid- 
erable fever, which condition, if neglected, may run into pneu- 
monia. If taken at the start, give: 

Tincture of Aconite Root Yz drachm. 

Water -. 4 ounces. 

Mix and give i teaspoonful together with 2 

or 3 grains of Quinine three times a day. 

If the affection has run on into a cough and discharge from 
the nose, rub Mustard paste well into the throat and give: 

Tincture of Aconite Root |^ drachm. 

Syrup of Squills i " 

Syrup of Ipecac 2 drachms. 

Spirits of Niter 3 " 

Water to make 4 ounces. 

Mix and give i teaspoonful three times a day. 

If thfe lungs are affected and there is a short, distressing 
cough and rapid, painful breathing, accompanied with a slight 
grunt at each expiration, apply Mustard paste to the sides, rub- 
bing it well into the hair and covering to retain the fumes. After 
an hour sponge it off with tepid water and repeat the application. 
Give the following until the fever is broken: 

Tincture of Aconite Root 30 drops. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter >^ ounce. 

Tincture of Gentian >^ " 

Syrup of Tolu 2 ounces. 

Water to make 4 " 

Mix and give i teaspoonful every two hours. 



632 THK PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

When fever is gone, give: 

Elixir of Calisaya, Iron and Bismuth 2 ounces. 

Syrup of Tolu 2 " 

Chlorate of Potash 3 drachms. 

Water to make 6 ounces. 

Mix and give i tablespoonful every three 
or four hours. 

Continue the Quinine right through. Feed lightly and see 
that there is good ventilation, but avoid drafts and have a tem- 
perature of about 60 to 62. 

FITS. — This is a common ailment in a dog, owing to a 
highly developed nervous system. 

Causes. — Worms; indigestion, overeating, etc. 

Symptoms. — There is champing of jaws; frothing at the 
mouth; delirium; the dog falls, works his legs violently, and after 
a minute or so gets quiet; very soon gets up, shakes himself, 
looks around rather wildly as though bewildered for the moment, 
and in a few moments is as well as ever until another comes on. 
Bach fit weakens him more and more, and he may finally die from 
exhaustion. 

Treatment. — 

Nothing can be done until the fit is over. Then give a dose 
of Castor Oil — i to 3 tablespoonfuls, according to size of dog — 
and inject into rectum the following: 

Sulphuric Ether i ounce. 

Laudanum i " 

Water 2 ounces. 

Mix and inject i teaspoonful into the rectum 
occasionally. 

After one-half hour begin on the following: 

Bromide of Potash , 2 drachms. 

Water 6 

Mix and give i tablespoonful until the Oil 
operates. 

Should there be more fits, continue for twelve hours longer. 
If fits do not return, give three times a day for a couple of days. 
If worms are suspected treat for them. 



DISEASES OF THE DOG 633 

GOITRE, OR SWELLED NECK.— This is an enlarge- 
ment of the thyroid gland, situated at the side of the neck, two 
or three inches from the throat. It has been known to grow as 
large as the fist, and frequently interferes with the breathing by 
pressing on the windpipe. May be on both sides. 

Treatment. — 

Paint it once a day with the Tincture of Iodine, or instead 
of that: 

Iodide of Potash 2 drachms. 

Lard 2 ounces. 

Mix and rub it on once a day. 

Will usually yield to treatment in a few weeks. 

DIARRHEA. — This is not a very common disease in dogs, 
but is sometimes produced by a change of food. 

Treatment. — 

Keep the dog quiet and give him boiled milk with a little 
dry flour in it, and in many cases this will be sufl&cient. If this 
is not sufl&cient give a large dog: 

Laudanum ^ drachm. 

Whiskey i tablespoonful. 

Boiled Milk and Flour % cup. 

Repeat three times a day until well. 

Sometimes a dose of Castor Oil at the outset will be efifectual 
without treatment. Proper care and surroundings should sup- 
plement the treatment. 

CONSTIPATION. — This is quite a common disease among 
dogs. 

Symptoms. — There is Httle or no action of the bowels; dog 
strains, and what little is passed is hard and dry. Is dull and 
will not eat. 

Treatment. — 

Give a large dog a dose of Castor Oil, }4 ounce, repeating 
in ten hours if bowels do not move. Soapy water injections may 
also be used to assist action. Or, give to a large dog % ounce 



634 THE PRACTICAlv STOCK DOCTOR 

Syrup Buckthorn, night and morning, until bowels move. Give 
new milk for food and see that he has moderate exercise. En- 
courage dog to eat Oat Meal, well cooked, and vegetables; well 
cooked lyiver is also beneficial. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.— 

Causes. — Eating caustic substances; from poisons, or from 
lying too long on cold, icy ground. 

Symptoms. — There will be whining; uneasiness; frequent 
getting up and down; pain on pressure of the belly; high fever; 
rapid pulse; hurried breathing and constipation. 

Treatment. — 

First, give % ounce Castor Oil with a tablespoonful Olive 
Oil in it to a large dog. In a half hour give the following: 

Tincture Aconite Root >^ drachm . 

Water. 4 ounces. 

3fix, give i tablespoonful of mixture and 
repeat every half hour. 

Give sV to J^ grain of Morphine every three to four hours to 
allay pain, and apply a Linseed Meal poultice, with a table- 
spoonful of Mustard in it, wet up with hot water, to the bowels. 
Injections of warm water are helpful. 

WORMS. — The two principal kinds of worms that trouble 
the dog are tapeworms and round worms, and we give treatment 
for those. 

Symptoms. — The general symptoms of worms are: Generally 
a good appetite, but does not thrive; dry, staring coat; cough, 
with a desire to vomit; sometimes vomit worms; diarrhea or 
constipation; sometimes worms seen in manure; if badly affected 
or reduced, fits are apt to follow. In some instances there may 
be bloody passages and a pot-bellied look. 

Treatment. — 

For round worms give every morning for a week before 
feeding the following: 

Santonine 4 grains. 

Sulphuret of Iron 2 •' 

Sugar of Milk 20 " 

Powder and mix and give as one dose. 



DISEASES OF THE DOG 635 

Follow the last dose with a dose of Castor Oil, 2 tablespoon- 
fuls, with 10 drops Turpentine in it. Repeat the treatment at 
the end of three weeks. Or, give Y2 drachm Oil of Male Shield 
Fern in 4 tablespoonfuls Milk every third day until bowels move 
well and animal is free of worms. Put well back in his mouth 
and hold his head until swallowed. 

For Tapeworm have the dog fast for 24 hours, and then 
give him i drachm Areca Nut, coarsely powdered, and made 
into a pill with syrup. In four or five hours %xv^ 2 tablespoon- 
fuls Castor Oil, and when it has operated give: 

Male Shield Fern 20 drops. 

Olive Oil I tablespoonful. 

Mixed together. 

Examine passages carefully to find head of tapeworm, and if 
this does not come away, repeat after two weeks. This dose is 
for large dogs; give small or young dogs proportionately less, 

MANGE. — Mange is caused by a mite-like organism that 
burrows into the skin. It spreads all over the body, but mostly 
affects the skin on the back, head and neck. It will spread by 
contagion, even to human beings. 

Symptoms. — There is intense itching, and the dog will scratch, 
rub and bite himself until the hair falls off, and in some cases 
the skin gets so sore and irritated that it will bleed. It usually 
appears first on elbows, fore legs, around eyes, on belly, in the 
flanks, and down inside the thighs, but soon spreads to all parts 
of the body, being characterized by a reddish, pimply eruption, 
with scaly patches between pimples, and by loss of hair. There 
is also a disagreeable odor. 

Treatment. — 

Clip off hair and wash thoroughly with soapy water; rub dry 
and apply the following wash, rubbing into the skin all over 
the body: 

Creolin 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Water i pint. 

Repeat once a day until the dog stops scratch- 
ing himself, skin heals and hair starts out. 



636 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

In addition give a large dog i teaspoonf ul of Sulphur in milk 
twice a day. Or, instead of Creolin, make an ointment of: 

Sulphur 2 ounces. 

Lard 2 " 

Mix and apply once a day; but washing 
need not be repeated unless more than four 
applications are required. 

In case of prolonged treatment, wash every fourth day. Use 
discretion about washing and clipping when weather is cold. 
The kennel must be thoroughly renovated and disinfected, using 
boiling water and soap, and solution of Carbolic Acid, or 
one part Corrosive Sublimate to 1,000 parts water, to destroy 
germs. 

RINGWORM.— 

Cause. — A parasite that causes considerable local irritation. 

Symptoms. — The elevation of the skin in the form of a ring, 
which spreads by the ring increasing in size, the skin becoming 
scaly and rough, and soon the hair drops off. 

Treatment. — 

Wash with soapy water and apply the following: 

Oil of Tar i ounce. 

Whale Oil 20 ounces. 

Mix and rub in well. 

This remedy is also good for Mange. 

FLEAS. — These are very troublesome to dogs, and occasion 
him a?id others a great deal of regret. 

Treatment. — 

Clean the kennel and put in clean bedding. Use Persian 
Insect Powder liberally, dusting down into the roots of the hair, 
around on carpets if dog is kept in the house, and on places where 
he is accustomed to lie. Or use the Creolin wash, as in Mange — 
2 tablespoonfuls Creolin in a pint of water, repeating every three 
or four days. The following ointment is also recommended: 

Oil of Anise i ounce. 

Olive Oil 10 ounces. 

Mix and rub well into the hair, washing oflE 
after six hours. 



DISEASES OF THE DOG 637 

LICE. — There are two kinds of lice that sometimes trouble 
dogs — the blood-sucking and the bird lice. 

Treatment. — 

These may be eradicated with the Creolin wash, as in Mange 
and Fleas, or by sifting wood ashes into the hair; by oiling the 
dog with Whale Oil and washing it off a few hours afterward, or 
washing him in an infusion of tobacco. 

SORE EYES.— This is an inflammation of the eye and 
its covering. 

Causes. — From something getting into eyes; or from a bite 
or scratch, or any other irritant. 

Symptoms. — Eyes are red and inflamed, and after a time a 
Sim will come over the sight; sometimes the eyelids are swollen 
and tears run from the corners. 

Treatment. — 

Examine eye for the presence of foreign matter and remove 
it if found; then apply the following eye water: 

Boracic Acid 20 grains. 

Distilled Water 2 ounces. 

Mix and apply hot to eye twice each day 
after bathing with hot water. 

Or: 

Sulphate of Zinc % drachm. 

Sugar of Lead % " 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 15 drops. 

Water 4 ounces. 

Mix and apply to the eyes after bathing 
with new milk. 

CANKER OF THE EAR.— This is a common disease of 
dogs. 

Causes. — Improper and high feeding; and also said to be 
common in dogs that run through long, wet grass. 

Symptoms. — Shaking the head and scratching the ear; there 
is a discharge from the ear that has a bad odor; dog holds his 
head to one side. 



63S THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Treatment. — 

Give a vegetable diet for a time. Thoroughly syringe ear 
with warm water and apply Oxide of Zinc Ointment, or apply a 
lotion of: 

Sugar of IvCad i part. 

Water , 16 parts. 

Let one hold the dog's head in one hand, having the root of 
the ear between the thumb and first finger of the other hand. 
Pour Yn teaspoonful into ear and close it, working it with fingers 
so that the liquid penetrates thoroughly. It gives no pain. 

DEAFNESS. — A common trouble with old dogs, but may 
occur from accumulation of wax. 

Treatment. — 

If an old dog, little can be done, but if it be a young one, 
syringe out the ear with soapy water and drop into the ear a few 
drops of Olive Oil. Repeat every other day for a few days. 

CHOREA. — This is a disease of the nervous system. 

Causes. — It may follow an attack of Distemper or arise from 
an injury. 

Symptoms. — There is a quick, nervous jerking of the affected 
part, which is most commonly the head, neck and fore parts. It 
may be so bad as to make the animal utterly useless. 

Treatment. — 

When once seated it is incurable, but if taken in time 
Bromide of Potash in ^ to ^ drachm doses, twice a day in milk, 
or on the tongue with a spoon, will be found a good remedy. 
Or give: 

Sulphate of Iron 3 grains. 

Saltpeter 4 " 

Brown Sugar ^ drachm. 

Powdered and mixed. 

Repeat night and morning for a couple of weeks. 

RHEUMATISM. — This disease occurs in the dog in both 

the acute and chronic form. 



DISEASES OF THE DOG 639 

Cazises. — Exposure to bad weather; remaining idle and wet 
after being in the water; damp kennels; high living, etc. 

Symptoms. — The attack comes on rather suddenly, the joints 
swell, the pulse becomes full and tense, the eyes blood-shot, 
stomach deranged and bowels costive. Severe pains run through 
the joints, tongue is coated, the muzzle hot and dry, and animal 
whines or howls from pain. 

Chronic rheumatism is known as gout. There is pain in the 
parts, the muscles are tender and joints stiff, with but little 
inflammation. Pain seems to be eased by exercise. 

Treatment. — 

For acute forms give the following: 

Extract of Colocynth i scruple. 

Calomel 10 grains. 

Powdered Gamboge 2 " 

Aloes 10 " 

Mix and make into four pills and give two 
at night and two in the morning. 

The dog should be wrapped in warm blankets, and a warm 
bath may be used. Keep the bowels in condition by using purga- 
tives. Plasters may be applied to the spine. 

The treatment for the chronic form is similar to the acute. 
It consists of warm baths, warm, dry quarters, strict attention to 
food and in keeping the bowels in proper condition. Stimulants 
may be applied to parts. Spirits of Camphor is excellent, but 
other stimulating liniments may be used instead. 

PARALYSIS. — This disease is rather common, but yields 
to treatment. 

Causes. — Generally as a sequel to distemper, but may follow 
a bad cold. 

Symptoms. — There is at first a staggering gait in the hind 
parts, which grows rapidly worse until dog has no power over 
them. 

Treatment. — 

Clip the hair off over the loins and apply the following to 
back along the spine: 

Lunar Caustic I stick. 

Water i teaspoonful. 

Mix and apply with a camel's hair pencil. 



640 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Prepare the following: 

Nux Vomica i drachm. 

Gentian 2 drachms. 

Iodide of Potash 2 " 

Simple S}^rup q. s. 

Mix and make into 30 pills. 

Give ^ of a pill night and morning for three days, then in- 
crease to % pill for three days, then to ^ of a pill for three days, 
and finally a whole pill. If dog is young give until an effect is 
noticed in rigid muscles and stiff legs, in one-half to i hour after 
taking. If an old or large dog continue to increase dose up to 
2 pills; then keep on till symptoms are noted. When giving 
larger doses, don't omit, or the next might kill the dog. Repeat 
blister if needed. Feed nourishing food, keep clean, and keep 
bowels open with occasional doses Castor Oil. 

RABIES, OR HYDROPHOBIA.— This disease is the 
effect of a specific blood poison introduced by innoculation in 
some way. It is also thought to arise spontaneously in hot 
weather among some animals. The bite of another dog is the 
common means of conveying the disease. 

Symptojns. — It comes on gradually. At first a nervous un- 
easiness, a melancholy look, an unusual fondness for the master, 
and a quiet, subdued manner in actions with a loss of playfulness. 
This changes to a wild expression of countenance, and an inclina- 
tion to hide; may be called out, but will seem scared and run 
back; if poked with a stick, will snap; appears very thirsty, but 
cannot swallow, cannot eat. In a few days symptoms will develop 
and he will become a tramp. If shut in, will go round and 
round as if wanting to get out. If out he will walk off, snapping 
and biting at everything that comes in the way, injuring his 
mouth so that the froth that hangs from the jaws is streaked 
with blood. He howls dismally once in a while. The tongue 
gets black, the lower jaw often drops and tongue protrudes, and 
though in his paroxysms he will close his jaws enough to bite, he 
cannot howl. Symptoms grow worse till death. 



DISEASES OF THE DOG 641 

Treatment. — 

Kill the dog. In case a valuable dog is known to have been 
bitten, cut out a piece where bitten and cauterize the wound with 
Caustic Potash, Nitrate of Silver, or a red-hot iron. The animal 
should be kept chained till all danger of madness is past — not less 
than six weeks. 

SURFEIT. — Dogs that are kept in close confinement and 
over-fed are subject to surfeit, as shown by plethora, pimples on 
the skin, and sometimes in a mild form of fits or vertigo. 

Treatment. — 

Reduce feed, give more exercise and give i drachm doses of 
Jalap made into pills with Syrup. 

ABSCESSES AND TUMORS.— These frequently occur 
in weakly dogs that have been run down by disease, and from 
impure blood. Tumors are common in puppy hood. 

Treatment. — 

Poultice, and when ready to open lance and let out contents. 
Inject this lotion three times a day: 

Carbolic Acid 2 drachms. 

Water I pint. 

Mix. 

If animal is run down in condition give: 

Sulphate of Iron 3 grains. 

Saltpeter 4 " 

Brown Sugar % drachm. 

3Iix. Repeat night and morning for a week. 

If dog is in good condition give instead: 

Cream Tartar i tablespoonful. 

Water ^A pint. 

Mix and give 2 tablespoonfuls every morning. 

FRACTURES AND WOUNDS.— Dogs often get bones 
fractured in various ways — as a kick from a horse, or by being 
struck with something. 

If the back is broken nothing can be done but kill the 
animal to get him out of painT If a hip or shoulder bone is 

41 



642 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

fractured and the dog is young, keep him quiet and the bones 
will knit together, but there is not much chance for an old one. 
If in the leg, set straight as possible, and do up with splints and 
a starch bandage (a long strip of cloth soaked in starch water 
and wrung out as dry as possible), rolling it around the fractured 
leg so it will go above and below the break, moderately tight, 
and holding leg till it dries or hardens. Keep dog quiet and 
keep the bandage on for three or four weeks, or until healed. 

In case of wounds or cuts, attend at once. If sore footed 
from thorns or long exposure to cold water examine, and if there 
are slivers or thorns remove them; and if needed, apply a poultice 
until inflammation subsides; then apply the following — bandaging 
feet loosely to prevent licking: 

Sugar of Lead i ounce. 

. Water I pint. 

3Iix and bathe the parts twice a day. 

If wound is torn much, secure the dog's mouth and tie his 
limbs; then stitch up the wound as directed in the Horse 
Department. There are some that say that there is no need to 
apply lotions after dressing a wound such as this, but just leave 
the dog in a quiet, dark place and allow him to lick the wound, it 
having great healing power. If where he cannot lick it, or you 
do not wish him to, use the following: 

Carbolic Acid 2 drachms. 

Water i pint. 

Mix and apply. 

BREEDING AND LITTERING.— Bitches usually come 
in heat about twice a year, but some of them oftener. There is 
a period of nine days coming and the same going off. During 
that time she will take the dog about half the time. The time 
of gestation is nine weeks. At the end of that time she will 
go by herself and make a nest. As a rule, after the first pup 
comes the rest of litter comes soon after. The front feet and 
head should come together, or it should come hind feet first. 
Should there be a deviation, push pup back and with oiled finger 
bring forward lacking member or members so that it can come 
right. Don't meddle too much if matters go fairly well. In case 



DISEASES OF THE DOG 643 

a pup remains in passage for a half hour or more, assist, but do 
so gently or you will injure one or the other, or both. Keep 
mother warm and feed easily digested food for a few days; then 
if there are no signs of fever, her feed may be more abundant and 
hearty. If appetite fails and she runs down, feed pups on boiled 
milk and give the mother the Sulphate of Iron tonic mentioned 
in Chorea. Put pups to bitch three times a day, but only for a 
few minutes to avoid worrying her. In case of a swollen and 
sore teat, or part of the udder, wash with warm water, dry and 
bathe with: 

Gum Camphor i ounce. 

Olive Oil 4 ounces. 

Mix. 

If pups die, milk bitch two or three times a day to keep 
down inflammation. Pups should be weaned in from four to six 
weeks. 

HOW TO CUT PUPPIES' TAILS.— Is usually done 
when about one month old. The length of tail varies with the 
breed. Decide on length wanted and then find a joint in the tail. 
Cut it through with one stroke of a sharp knife. Usually there 
is not much bleeding, but should there be, touch the wound with 
Monsel's Solution of Iron, or touch it with a hot iron to sear it 
over. In most cases it will be all right without treatment. 

GONORRHEA. — This is not an uncommon disease in the 
dog and frequently comes on without any assignable cause. 

Symptoms. — Will be known by the matter seen dripping from 
the end of the sheath, or clinging to it. 

Treatment. — 

Syringe out the parts with tepid water, and afterward with 
the following lotion: 

Sugar of Lead 2 drachms. 

Water i pint. 

Mix and inject a little tmce a day. 

POISONS AND ANTIDOTES.— When a dog has been 
poisoned the first thing to do is to give an emetic — a teaspoonful 



644 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



each of Mustard and salt, in a little warm water — just lukewarm. 
If this does not vomit him in a minute, repeat it, and if it still 
does not act, give a half teaspoon Blue Vitriol in a little warm 
water, or the same quantity of the Sulphate of Zinc; then give a 
few swallows of milk, or a raw egg, or a little Olive Oil. A 
tablespoonful of the last named may be given every five minutes 
for a half hour; also a few raw eggs. These are to moderate the 
corrosive or otherwise destructive action of the poison upon the 
tissues that line the stomach and bowels. For chemical antidotes 
(to counteract the effect on the blood, nervous system, etc.), refer 
to Poisons in the Diseases of the Horse, regulating the dose to 
suit the animal. A dog of average size requires about the 
same dose as a man, or about one- twelfth of the dose for the horse.. 



MISCELLANEOUS DEPARTMENT 



INSTRUMENTS 



See pages 64g, 6^0, 6^1, 6^2 for Instruments ■t)receded by *. 

^Bistoury. — For making incisions. It consists of a handle 
to which is attached a blade, variously shaped, according to exact 
use for which it is to be put, either fixed or movable. 

Catheter.^For drawing off the contents of the bladder when 
animal cannot make water. Is also used in treating deep ulcers, 
liquid being injected through it by means of a syringe. It is 
a round gutta-percha tube, of which one end is open, the other 
end being rounded, with two small holes at the side near by. It 
should always be oiled and introduced carefully. 

Firing-Iron.— For actual cautery — burning with a red-hot 
iron — which though not used as much as formerly, is still useful 
in some classes of cases. 

^Forceps. — For extracting splinters, pieces of bone, teeth, 
and the like; also for seizing arteries to tie them. They are 
pincers with long jaws. Those with a spring are preferred. 

^Needles. — For sewing up wounds, etc. They are of differ- 
ent shapes as well as different sizes. 

Probang. — A straight, flexible tube, with rounded end, for 
pushing substances down the throat in cases of choking. 

Probe. — For exploring wounds. They are made of silver 
wire, with one end slightly knobbed, and are of different sizes. 

Scalpel. — A surgeon's knife, straight and keen-edged. For 
veterinary purposes, it should be broad and strong. 

Scissors. — Straight or curved, and are necessary for trim- 
ming edges of wounds, for clipping off the hair, etc. 

645 



646 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

*Seton Needles. — These are for drawing setons under the 
skin. Their blades are broad and curved, with a round shank 
twelve inches long, and with eye at the blunt end. 

Shoeing Knife — Frog Knife — Drawing Knife. — Used 
for cutting into and paring the hoof, as in horseshoeing. It is a 
thin blade with a sharply-curved end, fixed on a handle, and is 
useful in caring for a horse's feet. 

*3yringe. — There are regular horse and cattle syringes now 
in market. For giving small doses of liquid medicines, one that 
can be used with one hand is very useful. The India-rubber pipe 
and funnel is a good substitute in giving injections. A bulb 
syringe for injecting abscesses and cleaning wounds is very desira- 
able. ( For description of the Hypodermic Syringe, see page 355. ) 

^Trocar. — This is a simple instrument resembling an awl. 
It is generally provided with a hollow tube that encloses it, 
called a canula. It is used for puncturing the abdomen, chest, 
etc., the canula being allowed to remain in until the water, 
serum, or gas has escaped. 

*Repeller. — A rod with a short, slightly-curved cross-bar at 
one end for repelling a foetus, in order to make a correction 
when the foetus is crowded too far back in the pelvis. 

A CHEAP AND PRACTICABLE INSTRUMENT 
OUTFIT FOR THE STOCKMAN.— The following outfit 
will serve the purposes of most stockmen, and all can be selected 
at a moderate cost through any druggist. They should all be 
kept clean, in perfect order, and together in a neat case, or 
wooden box: 

*A clinical thermometer. 

*A pair of spring artery forceps. 

A silver probe. 

A frog, or shoeing knife. 

A pair of curved scissors. 

A broad scalpel. A single-bladed, medium sized jack-knife 
makes a good substitute. 



INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 647 

A few surgical needles, of different sizes and shapes; some 
silk thread, and a little catgut. These should be kept in a leather 
case or roll. 

*A horse trocar and canula. 
*A milking tube. 
A two-ounce hard rubber syringe, for giving medicine, 
injecting small abscesses, etc. 

A plain bulb syringe, for syringing out abscesses and wounds. 
A horse catheter is often of great value if one is a long way 
from a veterinarian. 

*A graduate for measuring liquid medicines. 



APPARATUS 



The following are the apparatus and appliances which the 
stock owner will find useful to have on hand: 

Drenching Bottle. — This is now generally used instead of 
the drenching horn of older days. It should have a long neck, 
and be good and strong. A champagne or ale bottle is good. 
Have one holding a pint and another holding a quart; also several 
olive oil bottles for drenching sheep and calves. 

^Hobbles. — For use in casting, or to prevent kicking. They 
are usually two strong ropes 25 feet long; also two strong leather 
straps, doubled and sewed, with a strong buckle and a ring, or D, 
for each. The straps are buckled to the hind pasterns, and the 
ropes are passed from the rings, or D's, forward through a loose 
collar on the horse's neck. (See "Casting" in Operations, and 
in Castration.) 

Slings. — They are not difficult to make. Take for the belly 
support two or three thicknesses of very stout canvas, about 28 
inches wide and about 7 feet long; fasten the ends by sewing them 
around and tacking to smooth sticks, which are a little longer 
than canvas is wide, to which fasten very strong loops of rope. 



648 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Hook the loops into the hooks of awhiffletree turned upside down; 
fasten the lifting rope to the ring on the upper side of the whiffle- 
tree and pass the other end through a fixed pulley overhead. 
The girdle is kept in position by breeching and breast straps. 

To use the sling, place it under the animal's belly and draw 
it up snugly against it — about tight enough to take off the stretch 
of the ropes. A sling cannot be used unless a horse can support 
nearly three-fourths of his weight; it is intended for a horse to 
settle into and rest himself. It is also a great help in using the 
slings to surround the horse with a frame. Place him with one 
side against a strong partition; along the opposite side, some six 
or eight inches from the horse, securely fasten a strong stick — a 
four by four or a pole; fasten the front end to the manger, the 
back end to something solid behind; have it pass along about the 
middle of the side; across from the side piece to the partition, 
some six inches in front of his breast, securely fasten a two by 
four, and the same across just back of the thighs; pad these with 
some old cloth. The frame prevents the possibility of the animal 
falling out of the sling, either forward or backward, as he will 
sometimes do if it is not used, and it also furnishes a support for him 
to lean against. If possible a sling should be lowered awa}^ from 
the animal for a little time each day to dry off the belly. (See 
■cut, in Horse Department.) 

Sponges. — Two or three of these should be kept by the 
stockman, the smallest of which should be fine; the others should 
be larger. 

A Twist. — For controlling the horse; to make and apply, 
see Operations, Horse Department. 

Probang. — A piece of soft, one-half inch rubber garden 
hose, to be used as a probang in choking, for giving injections 
per rectum, and for flushing out the vagina and womb. Also 
a piece of small rubber tubing, two or three feet long, and a small 
funnel to use in milk fever, inflammation of the udder, etc. 

A Spring-Ring "Bull Dog" to snap in the nose of cattle for 
holding them. 



INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 649 




CwNiCAi, Thermometer. 

For description, seepage 75. 




Hypodermic Syringe and Aspirator. 

For description and use of Syrhige, see page 355, 




Graduate. 




Repeller. 



650 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 




Needles. 



Seton Needle. 





Parxukjtion Hook. 



Pig Forceps. 




Artery Forceps. 



i^ 



Milking Tube. 

For use, see "Passing- the Milking Tube," page 438. 




Teat Slitti'r, or Bistoury. 

As an example of use, see in "S/rirJiire of Duct at Base of Teal," 
pagr hh~. 



INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 



651 




Sei-f-Retaining Tracheotomy Tube, 




HoRSH Trocar and 
Canui,a. 



Oval Trachea Tube. 



652 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 




Emasculator. 

For description and use, see page 175. 




ECRASKtTR. 
For one of its uses, see page 175. 



MEDICINES— ACTION AND DOSE 



653 



MEDICINES— ACTION AND DOSE 



It is not to be expected that in the brief space allowed in a 
section of this kind that much can be said that will take the place 
of experience, but at the same time something may be given that 
will enable one with good judgment to arrive at safe conclusions 
in the treatment of at least the more common diseases to which 
domestic animals are subject. Where one is not familiar with 
the action of a drug, it is best to err on the safe side and to give 
in small doses, repeating until the desired effect is produced. In 
all cases where a doubt exists, consult a veterinarian, for if an 
animal is worth saving at all, it is worth the advice of a man of 
skill and experience. 

The doses described in this section are for adult animals of 
medium size of their class, unless otherwise mentioned, or where 
the disease being treated is peculiar to a certain age. The age, 
temperament, and size of the animal must always be taken into 
consideration. Animals with compound stomachs— those that 
chew the cud — as cattle and sheep, can take much more medicine 
in proportion to their size than animals with simple stomachs. 
As a rule, a cow will take 1 5^ to 2 times as much as a horse. 
Sheep will take about Yi as much as a horse; hogs, yi to i-io as. 
much as a horse. Dogs require about the same dose as a 
man. The proportionate dose for each animal, as to age, is about 
as in the following table: 



KORSE. 


ox. 


SHEEP. 


SWINE. 


DOGS. 


DOSE. 


4 years, 


3 years. 


1% years. 


1% years, 


1% years, 


full dose 


3 " 


2 " 


I year, 


I year. 


I }'ear, 


H " 


2 " 


I year, 


9 months, 


9 months, 


9 months, 


y^ " 


I year, 


9 months, 


6 


6 " 


6 " 


Vat " 


6 months, 


6 


3 


3 " 


3 " 


\ " 


At birth, 


at birth. 


at birth. 


at birth, 


at birth, 


tV-:>6 " 



Allowance must also be made, in case of continued use, for 
decrease in effect, as the tendency is for remedies to "wear 
out," and have less and less effect ; for effect on the individual, 



654 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

as may be noticed by observing action on the particular subject ; 
and also for the influence of the disease when it is likely to affect 
the action. For example, in most diseases of the brain and 
spinal cord, and in some impactions of the stomach, double the 
usual quantities of purgative medicines are necessary, while in 
influenza and other low fevers, half the usual dose may prove 
fatal. In acute congestion of the brain, narcotics, such as Opium, 
would aggravate the symptoms. 

HOW OFTEN TO GIVE MEDICINES.— See Horse 
Department (page 73). 

SOME OF THE FORMS IN WHICH MEDICINES 
ARE DISPENSED.— 

Powders. — A great many medicines are in powdered form; 
they can be given this way, if finely pulverized, in moistened 
feed; they can be dissolved in water, if soluble, and given as a 
drench; or, if not soluble, mixed with thin gruel and given as a 
drench. 

Fluid Extracts. — A fluid extract is a liquid preparation of 
a vegetable product, which is of the same strength as the crude 
drug itself. They are made by dissolving the active principles 
of the drug in Alcohol, Ether, or some solvent, and then evapor- 
ating until of the strength of the crude drug. The dose of a fluid 
extract and the crude drug are the same. The fluid extracts are 
largely used for the lower animals. 

Tinctures. — Tinctures are Alcoholic solutions of the various 
drugs. The strength varies with the different drugs, generally 
one-third to one-fifth as strong as the fluid extract. 

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.— In compounding some 
medicines it is necessary to be very exact as to weight and 
measure. It is best in most cases to have formulas put up by 
competent druggists, but where it is not convenient to do so, the 
farmer and stockman should have his own scales and measuring 
glasses, and use care in compounding. The following are the 
two tables of weights and measures used : 



MEDICINES— ACTION AND DOSE 655 

Table of Apothecaries' Weight. 

20 grains make I scrapie. 

3 scruples " i drachm. 

8 drachms" i ounce. 

12 ounces " i pound. 

While the above table is used by the druggist in filling 
prescriptions, when he sells drugs in bulk he gives 16 ounces for 
a pound, instead of 12 ounces. In this work, where the pound is 
used, 16 ounces is intended. In referring to weights, the scruple 
is rarely ever used, but instead, 60 grains, i drachm. 

Table of Apothecaries' Liquid Measure. 

60 minims make i fluid drachm. 

8 fl. drachms make i " ounce. 

16 fl. ounces " i " pint, 

2 pints make i " quart. 

4 quarts " i gallon. 

Where remedies are not of a violent nature, the following 
comparative table may be made use of, though not so accurate as 
above methods : 

Comparative Table of Weight and Measure. 

I drop equals about i minim. 

60 drops equal i drachm, or i level teaspoonful. 

3 teaspoonfuls equal i tablespoonful. 

8 tea- or 3 tablespoonfuls equal... i ounce. 

I teacupful equals 6 ounces. 

I coffeecup or tumbl«rful equals... 8 ounces or Yz pint. 



Acetanilid. — A white crystalline substance used to lower 
temperature in cases of high fever. It has a depressing action 
on the heart and should not be used too frequentl}^ ; should 
always be given with a full dose of alcohol as a stimulant. Dose: 
Horse, i to 2 drachms ; cattle, 2 to 3 drachms ; sheep, 20 to 40 
grains. 

Acetic Acid. — Is the sour principle of vinegar, and is one of 
the most common vegetable acids. Pure Acetic Acid is used to 
remove warts. Soak the warts well in it. 



656 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Aconite. — Is derived from the root of the Aconite plant, 
also known as wolfsbane, monkshood, etc. It slows the action of 
the heart. Good for the early stages of fevers and inflammations, 
but should not be given when the action of the heart is weak . 
Applied externally it relieves pain, but should only be used in 
small quantities. Poisonous. Dose of Fluid Extract : For horse, 
loto 15 drops; cattle, 15 to 30 drops ; sheep, 3 to 5 drops ; swine, 
I to 2 drops ; dogs, -^^ to i drop.. 

Alcohol, Whiskej'', Brandy. — Good for chills, depression 
and collapse, or when animal is very weak. Dose of Alcohol : 
For horse, i to 2 ounces ; cattle, 2 to 3 ounces ; sheep, % ounce; 
swine and dogs, i to 2 tablespooufuls. Dose of the others: Twice 
as much as the dose of Alcohol. 

Ale and Beer — Stimulant. Dose: Horse, ^ to i pint ; 
cattle, I pint ; sheep, % io V2 pint ; swine and dogs, i wine- 
glassful. 

Aloes. — Act as a purgative, and in small doses as a bitter 
tonic. The kind known as Barbadoes Aloes is generally used 
for stock. Dose as a physic : Horse, 6 drachms to i ounce. 
Not used much, except with the horse ; best purgative for him. 
As a tonic for horses, give in doses of i drachm. Operates in 
from 24 to 36 hours. 

Alum. — Is an astringent that is used mostly as washes for 
wounds. Is also used dry, in the form of powder to dust 
wounds, it being very drying and healing. Is also used in gar- 
gles for sore throat, influenza, and aphtha or sore mouth. For a 
wash, use i ounce of Alum to i pint of water. Dose internally : 
Horses, i to 2 drachms, cattle. 3 drachms ; sheep, ^ drachm ; 
pigs, Va. drachm. Used in diarrhea. 

Alum, Burnt. — Used on old sores and proud flesh in the 
form of powder. 

Ammonia Water. — Is a stimulant, and is good in indiges- 
tion, colic, and bloating. Dose: Horse, V2, ounce; cattle, i 
ounce; sheep, 2 drachms; dogs and swine, }4 to i drachm. Dilute 
well with water. Externally it is used for liniments. 



MEDICINES— ACTION AND DOSE 657 

Aqua Ammonia Fortier. — Strong Ammonia water. Dose: 
one-fourth the Ammonia water. Used in liniments. 

Ammonia, Carbonate of. — Is a stimulant, prevents or 
allays cramps, is an antidote for acids, good in colics and indiges- 
tion. Dose: Horse, i to 2 drachms; cattle, 2 to 4 drachms; 
sheep, ^ to I drachm. Give in oil or thin gruel, as it is very 
irritating. 

Ammonia, Aromatic Spirits of. — A flavored preparation of 
Ammonia Carbonate, Alcohol, and Aqua Ammonia. One of the 
best Ammonia preparations for internal use; good in colics, indi- 
gestions, impactions, etc. Dose: Horse, ^ to i ounce; cattle, i 
to 2 ounces; sheep, 2 drachms; hogs, i drachm. Dilute with at 
least sixteen times its amount of water. 

Ammonium Chloride — Sal Ammoniac— A mild stimulant, 
especially to mucous membranes. Very valuable in case of coughs. 
Dose: Horse, 2 to 3 drachms; cattle, 3 to 4 drachms; sheep \^ 
to I drachm. 

Anise Seed. — Stimulates indigestion, sweetens the stomach. 
Is also recommended as a tonic when recovering from weakening 
diseases. Dose: Horse, i ounce; cattle, i to 2 ounces; sheep, 2 
to 4 drachms; dogs and swine, i to 2 drachms. 

Areca Nut. — The ground seed of a palm; a drug used very 
largely to destroy tapeworms; generally given in combination 
with Oil of Male Fern. Dose: Horse, j4 to i ounce; sheep, ^ 
ounce; lambs, 2 drachms; dogs, the dose is 2 grains for each 
pound of dog's weight. 

Arnica, Tincture of, — Causes sweating and lessens fever. 
Dose: Horse, % to i ounce; cattle, i ounce; sheep, 2 drachms; 
swine, ^ drachm. Externally, it is mildly stimulating to the 
skin, and is used in liniments. 

Arsenic. — White Arsenic is a heavy, white powder, very 
poisonous. In medicines it is used for chronic indigestion, chronic 
lung disorders, as heaves, and skin disorders, for all of which 
it is very good. Dose: Horse, 2 to 5 grains; cattle, 4 to 7 grains; 



658 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

for smaller animals, best to use it in the form of Fowler's solu- 
tion. Always commence with small dose, and increase if 
desired. 

Arsenic (Fowler's Solution). — Is given as a tonic in 
chronic diseases and in heaves, and as a tonic after weakening 
•diseases, such as distemper; it will often start animals thriving 
when other remedies fail. Dose: Horse, j4 to i ounce; cattle, ^2 
to I ounce; sheep, ^ to i drachm; swine, 5 to 20 drops; dogs, i 
to 5 drops. Give in food after eating. 

Asafetida, Gum. — Good in colic, indigestion, constipation 
and worms. Dose: Horse, 2 to 4 drachms; cattle, 4 drachms; 
sheep, I drachm. Give in a ball, or dissolved in Alcohol, diluted 
with water. 

Asafetida, Tincture of. — Dose: Horse, 2 ounces; cattle, 3 
to 4 ounces; sheep, % ounce; swine and dogs, i to 2 drachms. 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of. — Good in fevers, cramp 
colic, tetanus and caked bag. Full doses should not be re- 
peated oftener than three or four times a day. Dose: Horse, 
% io \ drachm; cattle, i drachm; sheep, 20 drops; swine, 3 to 8 
drops; dogs, ^ to 3 drops. 

Benzoin, Compound Tincture of (Friar's Balsam). — 

Chief use is for healing wounds, by painting over with a feather 
twice a day. Good to add to lard or Vaseline in making oint- 
ments — I part to 4 or 5 parts of the lard or Vaseline. Is not 
used much internally. 

Biniodide of Mercury. — Is chiefly used for blistering bony 
enlargements, such as spavins, ring-bones, side bones, splints, etc. 
The proportions in which it is used is i to 2 drachms to the ounce 
of lard or Vaseline. 

Boric Acid. — Is a non-poisonous antiseptic. Used for sore 
mouth, sore eyes, roup, and also for an injection into the udder. 
Used in solution, i oimce to the pint of water. 

Bromide of Potash. — Chief use is to quiet the nerves in 
diseases of the character of lock-jaw, convulsions, chorea, and 
other painful diseases. Dose: Horse, }4 to i ounce; cattle, i 
ounce; sheep, i drachm; swine and dogs, l{ drachm. 



MEDICINES— ACTION AND DOSE 659 

Buckthorn— Cascara Sagrada. — Used mostly as a physic 
for dogs and cats. Dose: Of Fluid Extract of Cascara Sagrada, 
horse, i to 2 ounces; dogs, ^ to 2 drachms; cats, ^ to J^ drachm. 
Give night and morning until results are obtained. 

Butter of Antimony. — Use pure, on a swab, as a caustic to 
burn out proud flesh, old sores and fistulae. Is very powerful, 
and must be applied to diseased tissue only. Part must be dry 
when it is applied. Not used internally. 

Calibar Bean, Fluid Extract. — Obtained from the seed of 
a plant; it stimulates the activity of the bowels. Good for colic, 
impaction, etc.; generally combined with Jaborandi. Dose: YLors^, 
^ to I drachm; cattle, i to 2 drachms; sheep, 20 to 30 drops. 

Calomel. — Internally its chief use is as a physic and to 
expel worms. Externally, it is dusted on old sores to dry them 
up and heal them. Dose: Horse, ^ to i drachm; cattle, i to 
2 drachms; sheep and swine, 5 to 20 grains. 

Camphor, Gum. — Good in colic, diarrhea, coughs, and to 
lessen pain. Checks secretion of milk. Dose: Horse, i to 2 
drachms; cattle, 2 to 4 drachms; sheep, Yi drachm. 

Camphor, Spirits of. — Camphor, i part; alcohol, 10 parts. 
Dose: Horse, % to i ounce; cattle, i to 2 ounces; sheep, 2 
drachms; swine and dogs, 10 drops to ^ drachm. Give with 
water. Externally, good to relieve pain and sprains. 

Cantharides. — See Spanish Flies. 

Carbolic Acid. — As sold by druggists is a colorless, oily 
liquid; turns pink on exposure to light. Used mainly as an 
antiseptic and disinfectant. It is a valuable medium in the treat- 
ing of wounds. Used as a 3 per cent, solution — i ounce Carbolic 
Acid to I quart of water. Poisonous. Wlien used internally. 
Dose: Horse, 10 to 30 drops; hogs, 3 to 10 drops; well diluted. 

Castor Oil. — A most excellent purgative, and can be used 
where harsher ones cannot. Dose: Horse, i to 2 pints; calves, 
2 to 4 ounces; sheep, 4 ounces; swine, 2 ounces. In small doses, 
combined with laudanum, it is a most excellent remedy for 
scours. 



66o THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

Caustic Potash. — Its principal use is to burn out warts 
and growths and cauterize poisonous wounds, as the bite of a 
mad dog; also for dehorning calves. Sticks must be kept in well- 
corked bottles, as air dissolves them. When used must be held 
in paper to prevent burning the fingers. Wet the sticks before 
applying. 

Charcoal. — Finely powdered, is used in condition powders, 
and also for dusting on wounds. Hogs like charcoal to eat. 

Chloral Hydrate. — A drug used to allay pain and to lessen 
irritated condition of the nervous system. Good to allay throes 
in making corrections in difficult parturitions ; good to give for 
after-pains, for hysteria, etc. Dose: Horse, ^ to i ounce; cattle, 

1 to 2 ounces; sheep, i to 2 drachms; hogs, >^ to i drachm. 

Chloroform.— Is given by inhalation for the purpose of pro- 
ducing anaesthesia (insensibility). Must be given carefully, 
especially to dogs, who are very susceptible, or it will cause 
death. For colic in horses, i drachm given with laudanum is 
excellent. 

Chlorate of Potash. — Is used internally for sore throat; 
when animal cannot swallow, a solution is sprayed into throat 
with a syringe, or put on the tongue, as a paste, with flour and 
molasses. Dose: Horse, i to 2 drachms ; cattle, 2 to 4 drachms; 
sheep, Yt, drachm; swine and dogs, ^ drachm. 

Copperas — Sulphate of Iron. — One of the best mineral 
tonics, also a good astringent, in solution of i ounce to a pint of 
water, for wounds. Excellent internally for diarrhea. A leading 
ingredient in condition powders. Dose: Horse, i drachm; cattle, 

2 drachms; sheep, 20 grains; swine, 10 grains. 

Corrosive Sublimate — Bichloride of Mercury.— Used 

externally as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Is one of the most 
powerful in both lines. The proportions generally used is i 
part to 1,000 parts of water. Tablets can be bought that will 
enable one to mix properly to get right solution, or if these can- 
not be got, I drachm of Corrosive Sublimate to i gallon of water 
equals i to 1,000. Cheapest and best for disinfecting stables, 



MEDICINES— ACTION AND DOSE 66i 

etc. The drug is very poisonous, and is not used internally, 
except for diarrhea. Dose of the i to 1,000 solution: Horse, y^ 
to I ounce; calves, i to 3 teaspoonfuls. 

Creolin. — Used in the form of lotion for wounds, scratches, 
grease, and diseases of like character, as an antiseptic and as a 
disinfectant. It is also valuable to destroy parasites of all kinds. 
The proportions to use are from i to 3 parts Creolin to 100 parts 
of water. Should be bought pure and only mixed as needed. 

Croton Oil. — A drastic and powerful purgative that is only 
used when milder means fail, as in impaction of the rumen, and 
diseases of that character. Dose: Horse, 15 to 30 drops; cattle, 
}4 to I drachm; sheep, 5 to 10 drops; swine and dogs, 2 to 3 
drops. For horses and cattle, give in a pint of lyinseed Oil; for 
sheep, give in ^ pint of oil ; and for swine and dogs, give in 2 
tablespoonfuls of Castor Oil. 

Crude Petroleum. — Used in making hoof oils, and as a 
remedy for ring- worm on all domestic animals. Is a cheap and 
effective remedy. 

Digitalis, Fluid Extract of.— A powerful heart and lung 
tonic. Used in weakening diseases, such as influenza, distemper, 
and lung troubles, whenever the heart is weak. It is sometimes 
given for heaves. Dose: Horse, 20 drops to }4 drachm; cattle, 
^ to I drachm; sheep, 5 to 15 drops; swine i to 3 drops; dogs, 
J^ to 2 drops. 

Epsom Salts. — Used mainly as a purgative for cattle and 
sheep. Dose: Cattle, i to i}4 pounds; sheep, 2 to 4 ounces; 
horse, ^2 to ^/i pound; hogs, i to 2 ounces. Dissolve in warm 
water. Acts in 24 hours. 

Ether, Sulphuric. — Given by inhalation to produce anae- 
thesia (insensibility). Internally as a stimulant in colic, indi- 
gestion, etc. Dose: Internally, horse, >^ to i ounce; cattle, i to 
1% ounces; sheep, 2 to 4 drachms; hogs, i to 2 drachms. 

Ergot. — Checks bleeding and is used in parturition and 
internal bleeding. Dose: Horse, ^A to 1 ounce; cattle, i to 2 
ounces; sheep, i to 2 drachms. 



662 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



Fowler's Solution.— See Arsenic. 

Gamboge. — Is a powerful physic, mostly used for cattle 
where milder remedies, such as Salts and Castor Oil, fail. It is 
generally combined with other medicines, as here given: 

Epsom Salts i pound. 

Common Salt 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Gamboge 2 to 4 drachms. 

Bicarbonate of Soda and Ginger, each i tablespoonful. 
Mix in a quart of lukewarm water. 

Very effective in bad cases of constipation and impactions of 
the stomach. 

Gentian, Fluid Extract. — Used after debilitating diseases. 
Dose: Same as of the powder. 

Gentian Root, Powdered. — A bitter tonic that is much 
used in Condition Powders, given to animals that are weak and 
run down. Dose: Horse, 2 drachms; cattle, 4 drachms; sheep, 
I drachm; swine and dogs, ^ drachm. 

Ginger. — A stimulant; neutralizes gases, and sweetens 
stomach; is used in physic drenches to prevent griping; and is 
good in colic, indigestion, and many other affections. Dose: 
Horse, J^ to i ounce; cattle, i to 2 ounces; sheep, 2 drachms; 
pigs, I drachm. 

Glauber's Salts (Sulphate of Soda).— An excellent pur- 
gative for animals that chew the cud— ruminants. Dose: Cattle, 

1 to i>^ pounds; sheep, 2 to 4 ounces. Dissolve in water and 
give as a drench. Action same as Epsom Salts, only not quite as 
certain. 

Glycerine. — Two to 4 ounces in warm water makes an excel- 
lent injection. Externally applied, it softens and soothes irritated 
parts. 

Hyposulphite of Soda. — One of the most valuable drugs to 
check bloating, especially if the gas forms in the stomach; also 
given in various blood disorders; a solution of it is good to apply 
to mucous surfaces which are inflamed. Dose for bloating: Horse, 

2 to 4 ounces; cattle, 4 to 6 ounces; sheep, ]4, to i ounce. When 



MEDICINES— ACTION AND DOSE 663 

used for blood disorders, one-fourth to one-half the foregoing 
dose is used, repeated three times a day. For a wash, use 2 to 4 
ounces to a pint of water. 

Iodine, Tincture of.— It is not often used internally, but 
for external application is much used for a sweat blister for 
enlarged glands, wind puffs, etc., by painting parts once a day 
until it blisters; then grease parts and let heal; then wash with 
soapy water and repeat blistering until cured. Inject into old 
sores and fistulse, once in two or three days. Used also in destroy- 
ing ring-worms. 

Iodide of Potash. — Its chief action, when given internally, 
is as an absorbent — as in dropsy of the belly or chest, to absorb 
the fluids. It is also used where there is a thickening about the 
throat, legs, or milk glands. Dose: Horse, ^ to i drachm, 
twice a day; cattle, i to 2 drachms. If given too long, iodism 
ensues; animal goes off feed, eyes and nose discharge, hair rough, 
skin harsh and wrinkled, dandruff in hair; if we get these symp- 
toms, stop giving for a time. 

Jaborandi, Fluid Extract.— Obtained from a plant; it 
stimulates the secretions of glands; good for colic and impactions, 
etc. Dose: Horse, 2 to 4 drachms; cattle, ^ to i ounce; sheep, 
^ to I drachm. 

Kerosene. — Internally, good for stomach worms. Give 
lambs I to 2 drachms in 4 ounces of oil or milk. Externally, it 
is a mild irritant. Rub it in well. 

Lard. — When used fresh on irritated skin it softens and 
soothes. Internally, given as a purgative to small animals. 
Melt and give from i to 8 ounces, according to size. 

Laudanum — Tincture of Opium. — Externally used to 
relieve pain. It is used internally in almost every disease that is 
attended with pain, as colic, diarrhea, etc. Dose: Horse, i 
ounce; cattle, i to 2 ounces; sheep, 2 drachms; swine and dogs, 
5 to 20 drops. 

Lime Water. — Is made by slacking fresh lime and using 
as much as the water will take up in solution. Allow to settle 



664 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

and pour off the clear liquid. This is useful in diarrhea in young 
animals. Dose: Calves, i to 6 ounces. 

Lime. — Finely- pulverized, air-slaked lime is good to dry up 
sores by being dusted on them. Unslaked lime is valuable for disin- 
fecting stables and buildings that animals are kept in, by dusting 
it in dry form around on the floor. It is especially good in the 
poultry houses to keep away lice and other vermin; also good to 
use in form of whitewash. 

Linseed Oil, Raw. —Acts as a very mild physic, or what 
is called a laxative. It is at once purgative and soothing. Dose: 
Horse, i to 2 pints; cattle, 2 to 3 pints; sheep, ^ pint; calves, 4 
to 8 ounces; lambs, 2 ounces; dogs, }4 to 2 ounces. Externally 
applied, i part Carbolic Acid and 25 parts Linseed Oil is good 
for scratches. 

Mercury. — See Calomel and Corrosive Sublimate. 

Monsel's Solution of Iron. — Used for stopping flow of 
blood. Is very astringent. Is used in leaking of the navel. 

Morphine, Sulphate of.— A drug made from opium, having 
its actions, only much more powerful; not so constipating as 
opium, and so better to use to allay pain in colics; a convenient 
form to use hypodermically. Dose, by the mouth: Horse, 3 to 
10 grains; cattle, 6 to 10 grains; sheep, ^ to 2 grains. 

Mustard. — Used chiefly for plasters on various parts of the 
body of animals, as in severe cases of colic, or inflammation of 
the bowels; in diseases of the chest and throat, and over the loins 
in kidney affections. When mixed with warm water to a paste 
and applied to the skin, it blisters. For a plaster of ordinary 
strength for a thin-skinned horse, take J^ pound of mustard, 2 
tablespoonfuls of flour, and tepid water or vinegar to make a paste. 
In severe cases use only mustard and vinegar, or water. Apply 
by rubbing into the hair over part on which a blister is desired. 
A heaping teaspoonful in 4 to 6 ounces of warm water is an 
excellent emetic for swine and dogs. 

Niter. — See Sweet Spirits of Niter. 



MEDICINES— ACTION AND DOSE 665 

Nitro-Hydrochloric Acid. — A mixture of Nitric and Hydro- 
chloric Acids; it stimulates the secretions of the glands of the 
intestinal tract; very valuable in certain kinds of indigestion with 
torpidity of the liver. Dose of the medicinal acid: Horse, i to 2 
drachms; cattle, 2 to 4 drachms; sheep, 20 to 40 drops; hogs, ic 
to 20 drops; dogs, 3 to 10 drops. 

Nux Vomica— (Powdered Seed.)— Is used in paralysis, 
and in weak, debilitated conditions. A great nerve tonic. Useful 
in condition powders. The active principle is strychnine, and 
when twitching of the muscles occurs the medicine should be 
stopped. Poisonous. Dose: Horse, ^ to i drachm; cattle, 2 
drachms; sheep, 20 grains; swine, 10 grains. 

Nux Vomica, Fluid Extract of. — Used after debilitating 
diseases with Gentian; also used in impactions, constipations, 
etc. Dose: Same as the powder. 

Nitrate of Silver — (Lunar Caustic.) — A pencil form of 
Nitrate of Silver, used for cauterizing warts, growths, venom- 
ous bites, proud flesh, etc. Sticks must be kept in tightly-corked 
bottles to prevent dissolving. To use, simply wet and apply. 
A solution of 2 to 5 grains to the ounce of water is used for 
inflammation of the eye. 

Nitrate of Potash — Saltpeter. — Chief action is on the 
blood and kidneys, causing the latter to secrete a large amount 
of urine. It reduces fevers and dropsical swellings. Dose: 
Horse, i to 4 drachms; cattle, ^ to i ounce; sheep, yi X.Q \ 
drachm. 

Oak-Bark Decoction, or Tea. — Good for diarrhea. Ex- 
ternally it dries up sores and toughens the skin. Dose: Colts and 
calves, I to 2 ounces; lambs, V2 ounce. Give in milk. Dose 
can be doubled, if necessary. To make: Boil i ounce of oak 
bark in i pint of water. 

Oil of Tar. — Used chiefly in cases of chronic cough, and for 
such is an effectual remedy. Dose: For horse, i teaspoonful 
three times a day in feed, or on the tongue with a spoon. 



666 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Oil Male Shield Fern. — A most effectual remedy for worms, 
especially tapeworms. Dose: Horse, 3 to 4 drachms in a pint 
of raw L,inseed Oil; cattle, same as horse; sheep and swine, i to 
2 drachms in J^ pint Oil; dogs, ^ to i drachm in a half teacupful 
of new milk. 

Olive Oil. — Laxative. Dose: Horse, i to 2 pints; cattle, 2 
to 3 pints; sheep, 3 to 6 ounces. Externally it is used for healing 
and soothing irritated wounds; for this, may be used in the pure 
state or with Carbolic Acid — i drachm of Acid to 4 ounces of Oil. 

Opium. — The dried juice of the poppy; appears in the form 
of a gum, and a powder. It is used to allay pain; it stops the 
activity of the bowels, and so is not good to use in colic, but is 
very valuable in diarrhea. Laudanum, which is an alcoholic 
solution of Opium, is a convenient form in which to use the drug. 
Dose of Opium.- Horse, ^ to i drachm; cattle, i to 2 drachms; 
sheep 5 to 20 grains; hogs, 3 to 10 grains. 

Pepper, Black. — Used in a ground form to warm the 
stomach and bowels, and in this way relieve pain in colic, indi- 
gestion, etc. Dose: Horse, i tablespoonful; cattle, i tablespoon- 
ful; sheep and swine, i teaspoonful; dogs, 3^ teaspoonful. If 
combined with Whiskey in a drench, it is excellent. 

Peppermint, Essence. — Good in indigestion and colic. 
Give in sweetened water. Dose: Horse, 40 drops to i drachm; 
cattle, I to 2 drachms; sheep, 10 drops; dogs, 2 to 5 drops. 

Pumpkin Seeds. — Vermifuge, and tapeworm remedy. Dose: 
Horse, i pint. 

Quinine, Sulphate of. — Reduces fever, stimulates, and in 
small doses is a bitter tonic. Dose: Horse, ^ to i drachm; 
cattle, 2 to 4 drachms; sheep, ^ drachm; pigs, 10 grains; dogs, 
I to 5 grains. 

Salol. — A drug made from Salicylic Acid and Carbolic Acid; 
very largely used for rheumatism. Dose: Horse, i to 3 drachms; 
cattle, 3 to 5 drachms; sheep, ^ to i drachm; hogs, 20 to 40 
grains; dogs, 2 to 15 grains. 

Salts. — See Epsom and Glauber's Salts. 



MKDICINES-ACTION AND DOSE 667 

Salt, Common. — Useful as food in small amounts. All ani- 
mals should be given a little salt in food. A solution of i ounce 
salt in a pint of water is good as a wash for sores and wounds. 

Saltpeter.— See Nitrate of Potash. 

Soda, Bicarbonate of (Baking Soda). — Useful in indiges- 
tion. Give before feeding. Dose: Horse, 2 drachms to i 
ounce; cattle, % \.o \yi ounces; sheep, i drachm to ^ ounce; 
swine, 2 drachms,. Wet with water is good to apply to stings of 
bees and other insects. 

Spanish Fly (Cantharides). — Not given internally. Is 
used in making blisters for reducing enlargements, such as curbs, 
tumors, and thickenings, after wounds have healed. Is used in 
proportion of i to 3 drachms Cantharides to an ounce of lard or 
Vaseline, as the case may require. For cattle, the blisters may 
be made a little stronger than for the horse. 

Strychnine. — A powerful drug, made from Nux Vomica; 
very poisonous; has the same action as Nux Vomica; is a power- 
ful nerve tonic. Dose: Horse, i to 2 grains; cattle, 2 to 3 
grains; sheep, ^ to ^ grain; dogs, 1-60 to 1-30 grain. If the 
drug is used hypodermically, the dose is one-half the above. 

Sugar of Lead (Acetate of Lead). — Is used externally 
to heal sores and wounds. As a plain lotion, dissolve i ounce in 
\y2 pints of water. Used in White lyOtion (see Prescriptions). 

Sulphate of Copper — Blue Vitriol — Blue Stone. — Is an 

antiseptic astringent and a mild caustic. Internally, it is used 
for checking discharges, as nasal gleet or chronic catarrh, and 
leucorrhea. Externally, it is used to burn out proud flesh, by 
dusting it on, every two or three daj^s, according to how much 
it burns. Is also used in solution of i ounce to a pint of water, 
or stronger, if necessary. Dose internally: Horse, ^ to i drachm; 
cattle, I drachm; sheep, 10 to 20 grains. 

Sulphate of Zinc — White Vitriol. — Astringent and tonic. 
Dose: Horse, ^z drachm; cattle i to 2 drachms; sheep, 15 to 30 
grains ; Externally it is used in healing lotions, as White 
Lotion and eye washes. Externally it is also good to destroy 
proud flesh by dusting it on the part once in two or three days. 



668 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

Sulphur. — When given internally, it acts on the blood, and 
also on the skin, helping to destroy parasites and germs. Dose: 
Horses and cattle, ^ ounce; sheep, i drachm; swine, 20 grains. 

An ointment made of: 

Sulphur I ounce. 

Lard 6 ounces. 

Is good for lice. Sulphur is a fine disinfectant, by being 
burned in empty, closed rooms in an iron vessel. A larger dish 
containing water should hold the one with Sulphur to prevent 
fire. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter — Spirits of Nitrous Ether. — In 
small doses it acts on kidneys and skin and reduces fever. In 
large doses it acts on the stomach and bowels, relieving pain and 
neutralizing gases. Good in different forms of indigestion and 
colic. Dose: Horse, i to 2 ounces; cattle 2 to 3 ounces; sheep, 
3 to 6 drachms; swine and dogs, i to 2 drachms. 

Tincture of Chloride of Iron — Muriate of Iron. — Is used 
as a tonic, to stop bleeding, and as an application or wash in sore 
mouth, sore throat, and skin diseases. Dose: Horse, J^ to i 
ounce; cattle, i ounce; sheep, j^ to i drachm; swine, 10 to 30 
drops; dogs, 2 to 10 drops. As an application, use ^ ounce of 
the tincture to 8 ounces of water. 

Liquid Chloride of Iron, Strong-. — Dose: One-fourth as 
much as Tincture. 

Turpentine — Spirits of Turpentine — Oil of Turpen- 
tine. — Good for colic, bloating, and intestinal worms. Also 
stimulates the kidneys. Give in oil, gruel, or milk. Dose: 
Horse, Vt, to i ounce; cattle, i to 2 ounces; sheep, i to 3 
drachms; swine, i drachm; dogs, 5 to 30 drops. Externally, it 
is an irritant, and is used in stimulating or blistering liniments. 
It is also added to Linseed Oil in the proportion of 2 ounces of 
Turpentine to 6 ounces of oil as a stimulating injection. 

Vaseline. — Softens and soothes parts applied to. Is also 
much used as a base for ointments and blisters. 

Vinegar. — Is used externally as a cooling, stimulating 
/otion. Can be used hot. Internally, in small doses, and diluted 
with water, it may be given for cooling fevers. 



MEDICINES— ACTION AND DOSE 669 

Whiskey. — See Alcohol. 

Wood Alcohol— Methylated Spirit.— Is not used as an 
internal remedy. Externally, it is used in liniments. 



THE STOCKMAN'S MEDICINE CASE.— The import- 
ance of the stockman keeping on hand a few medicines and 
preparations, will depend upon his distance from a veterinarian 
and a druggist. A few things should always be kept, however, 
as when they are wanted, they are wanted at once, and if not at 
hand, their use is often neglected. All medicines and prepara- 
tions should be plainly labeled; should be kept in a dark, cool 
place; all liquid in well-corked bottles, powders in covered cans. 

Two or more colic mixtures. 

One pound of the digestive tonic. 

One-fourth pound of Saltpeter. 

One-half pound of Sulphate of Iron (Copperas). 

Three to five pounds of Epsom Salts. 

Two quarts of raw Linseed Oil. 

Four ounces pure Carbolic Acid. 

One quart of a 3 per cent, solution of Carbolic Acid, ready 
for use. 

Two ounces of Lysol. 

One-half pound or Acetate of Lead (Sugar of Lead). 

One-half pound of Sulphate of Zinc. 

One pint of White Lotion, ready for use. 

One-half pint of Alcohol. 

One-half pint of some good strong liniment (Modified White 
Liniment) . 

One-half pint of mild, soothing liniment. 

One-half ounce of Fluid Extract of Aconite. 

One ounce of Fluid Extract of Belladonna. 

One ounce of Fluid Extract of Nux Vomica. 

Four ounces of Laudanum. 

One ounce of Monsel's solution for stopping bleeding. 

The foregoing list will meet nearly all emergencies, and other 
things can be sent for if needed. In the list, where a preparation 
is mentioned, '^^, unaer i^escriptions. 



670 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



PRESCRIPTIONS 



Soothing Lotion. — 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna i ounce. 

Laudanum i ounce. 

Tincture of Aconite i ounce. 

Soap Liniment 5 ounces. 

3Iix. This liniment will relieve pain and soreness where there is much 
inflammation. Is also good for sprains, in connection with fomentations. 
Will not blister. A part of the soap liniment in the above lotion can be 
replaced by Witch Hazel. 

White Lotion. — 

Sugar of Lead i ounce. 

Sulphate of Zinc...... 6 drachms. 

Water..... i pint. 

Shake well before using. This is extensively used for wounds, sores, 
scratches, summer sores, and fistulse. It can be used three times a day. 

Modified White Lotion. — 

Sugar of Lead i ounce. 

Sulphate of Zinc 6 drachms. 

Carbolic Acid % ounce. 

Water, to make i pint. 

Shake. Uses, same as White Lotion, but as it contains Carbolic 
Acid, is antiseptic, and hence more effectual in many places. 

White Liniment. — 

Aqua Ammonia 2 ounces. 

Turpentine 2 ounces. 

Linseed Oil 4 ounces. 

Mix, and apply by rubbing. Bottle must be kept well corked. If a 
stronger liniment is wished, add more Ammonia and Turpentine; if a weaker 
is desired, add less Turpentine and Ammonia. This will blister if used freely 
and well rubbed in, especially, if part is covered to prevent evaporation. 

Modified White Liniment. — 

Aqua Ammonia (strong) 2 ounces 

Turpentine 2 ounces. 

Soap Liniment 4ounces. 

Shake. Action same as White Liniment; will not dirty parts so 
badly. Good for all sorts of strains, or wherever liniment is desired. Can 
make it weaker or stronger by changing the amount of Ammonia and Tur- 
pentine. An excellent liniment. 





'■^" 



-!«* 





f^-^ 





PRESCRIPTIONS 671 



Acid Liniment. — 

First put into a quart bottle, 2 ounces of Turpentine; then add to 
this, very slowly, Y^ ounce of Sulphuric Acid, allowing it to run down on 
inside of bottle, which is turned partly on side. Take five minutes to add it. 
Then pour into bottle 2 ounces Wood Alcohol, adding slowly; add to this 
Cider Vinegar enough to make i quart; shake well, and it is ready for use. 

This is a blistering liniment, and is effective in remo\-ing puffy enlarge- 
ments, as bog spavin, wind- galls, thoroughpins and other puffy swellings 
around the legs. It is also good in sweeny, curbs, etc. , where horse is needed 
for work. For rheumatism, rub affected joints every third day. This had 
better be put up by a druggist, as Sulphuric Acid is rather dangerous for the 
inexperienced to compound. 

Cantharides, or Fly Blister. — 

Powdered Cantharides 2 drachms. 

Lard, or Vaseline i ounce. 

.Ar?>, and apply as directed in "Blistering" in HoRSE Department 
page 258. 

Red Mercurial Blister. — 

Biniodide of Mercury i drachm. 

Lard, or Vaseline , i ounce. 

Mix^ and use as directed in "Blistering" in Horse Department, 
page 258. 

Combination Blister. — 

Powdered Cantharides 2 drachms. 

Biniodide of Mercury i drachm. 

Lard, or Vaseline 2 ounces. 

MiXy and use as above. Good for spavins, ring-bones, etc. 

Drying and Healing Powder. — 

Oxide of Zinc 2 ounces. 

Calomel 2 ounces. 

Boracic Acid 2 ounces. 

Air-slaked Lime 2 ounces. 

Mix. Dust on wound. Good for galls and sores where a dry dressing 
is desired. By adding Lard or Vaseline, it can be made into an ointment. 

Carbolated Oil. — 

Olive, or Sweet Oil 4 ounces. 

Carbolic Acid i drachm. 

Shake well together. An excellent remedy for healing wounds. 



THK PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



Carbolic Lotion (3 per cent.). — 

Carbolic Acid ^ ounce. 

Water i pint. 

Mix, An excellent antiseptic wash for all kinds of wounds. 

Creolin Lotion. — 

Creolin i ounce. 

Water i quart. 

This makes an excellent healing lotion for woxmds, and it also makes 
an excellent wash for destroying parasites, lice, or ticks on all animals. 

I to 1000 Corrosive Sublimate Solution. — 

Corrosive Sublimate • 15 grains. 

Water i quart. 

Shake. An excellent and cheap antiseptic for wounds; cannot be used 
on instruments. 

Oxide of Zinc Ointment, Benzoated. — 

Oxide of Zinc I ounce. 

Benzoated lard 4 ounces. 

Mix well together. This is an excellent healing ointment for dry, 
angry looking sores. 

Iodine Ointment — Absorbing Ointment. — 

Iodine Crystals 2 drachms. 

Biniodide of Mercury 20 grains. 

Iodide of Potash i drachm. 

Lard, or Vaseline 2 ounces. 

Mix. Apply twice a day until part is slightly sore, and then once a 
day, or once in two days, to keep it slightly irritated, 

I. Eye Lotion. — 

Sulphate of Zinc ^drachm. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna.. ^ ounce. 

Water, to make 8 ormces. 

Mix. Shake thoroughly, and it is ready for use. A good lotion for 
sore eyes, or for sores in the region of the eyes. Apply twice a day, after 
bathing the eyes with warm water or freshly-drawn milk. 



PRESCRIPTIONS 673 

2. Eye Lotion. — 

Nitrate of Silver 5 grains. 

Morphine Sulphate 5 grains. 

Atropine Sulphate 2 grains. 

Water, to make 2 ounces. 

Shake. Drop 10 to 15 drops into the eye, three times a day with a 
medicine dropper. Keep in the dark. 

1. Cough Mixture.— 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i ounce. 

Pulverized Opium ^ ounce. 

Gum Camphor i ounce. 

Ammonium Chloride 2 ounces. 

Add molasses and flour, enough to make % pint of paste. With a small, 
wooden paddle daub a tablespoonful on the back teeth, three to five times 
a day. 

2. Cough Mixture. — 

Fluid Extract of Belladonna 2 ounces. 

Ammonium Chloride 3 ounces. 

Iodide of Potash i ounce. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Water, to make i quart. 

Shake. Dose: 2 ounces, three times a day, in grain, or as a drench. 

i. Colic Mixture. — 

Laudanum 4 ounces. 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia. 3 ounces. 

Sulphuric Ether 2 ounces. 

Essence of Jamaica Ginger 4. ounces. 

Water, to make , i pint. 

Give from 2 to 3 ounces of this in a half pint of hot water. A second 
dose can be given in one-half to one hour, and be repeated an hour later. 
Always dilute with hot water, but not hot enough to scald the animal 

2. Colic Mixture. — 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia J4 ounce. 

Sulphuric Ether >^ ounce. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna i drachm. 

Fluid Extract Jaborandi 2 drachms. 

Fluid Extract Caiibar Bean %, drachm. 

Hyposulphite of Soda 2 ounces. 

Water, to make % pint. 

Shake. Give as one dose; repeat in one-half to one hour if necessary. 

43 



674 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Physic Drench or Ball for Horses. — 

Barbadoes Aloes 6 to 8 drachms. 

Baking Soda i drachm. 

Ginger 2 to 4 drachms. 

Water (lukewarm) or thin Linseed meal 

gruel I pint. 

Mix, and give as a drench, allowing horse to stand in the stable a day 

after giving it. A good purgative to clear the bowels. Or, by mixing with 
molasses to make a stiff dough, may be given as a ball. 

Physic Drench for Cattle. — 

Epsom Salts i to J% pounds. 

Ginger i ounce. 

Syrup 4 ounces. 

Water, to make 2 quarts. 

Mix, and give as one dose. 

Cough Mixture for Cattle. — 

Gum Camphor 2 drachms. 

Saltpeter 3 drachms. 

Spirits of Niter i ounce. 

Water or Gruel i pint. 

Mix, by dissolving Camphor in the Spirits of Niter, and add the water 
(or gruel) and Saltpeter, and give as one dose. May be repeated two or 
three times a day. 

General Condition Powders. — 

Gentian Powder. % pound. 

Cooking Soda }i pound. 

Nux Vomica, powder X pound. 

Arsenic i drachm. 

Mix. Dose: Tablespoon level full morning and night in moistened 
grain. At noon give the following: 

Sulphate of Iron 4 ounces. 

Saltpeter 4 ounces. 

Mix. Dose: Tablespoon level full. 

Hoof Ointment. — 

Raw Linseed Oil 4 ounces. 

Crude Petroleum 4 ounces. 

Neatsfoot Oil 4 ounces. 

Pine Tar 4 ounces. 

Mix well, and apply every night with a brush, all over and under the 
hoof — even a little in the hair above the hoof. Clean out hoof before 
applying. 




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PRACTICAL REMEDIES AND RECIPES 

...FROM PRACTICAL,. 

FARMERS AND STOCK OWNERS 



'TpHE aim has been to make this book one of great value 
-■- from a practical as well as from a scie?iti/ic standpoint. 
Every successful farmer has a few favorite remedies that he has 
tried and tested and that he knows to be valuable. To gather 
these remedies has been a long and difficult undertaking, but 
we have succeeded, and it is believed that the following, gathered 
from all sections of the country and from the most reliable 
sources, will be found the most valuable collection of sure and 
simple remedies ever gathered for the home use of the farmer 
and stock owner. 

PUBI^ISHERS 



REMEDIES FOR HORSES 



TO KEEP HORSES IN HEALTH. -Give leaf tobacco 
finely pulverized, one tablespoonful once a week in wheat bran; 
colts, one teaspoonful once a week. 

Robert E. Chambers, Spe7icer, Indiana, R. F. D. i. 

BLOATING. — If bloated from wind, give injection of 
warm soapy water; if animal shows signs of inflammation, give 
about 30 drops of Tincture of Aconite. 

John Oatway, Gree?t Ridge, Manitoba, Canada. 

BLOOD PURIFIER.— 

Sulphur 2 ounces. 

Cream of Tzirtar 2 " 

Sassafras 2 " 

Mandrake, powder of 2 " 

Mix and give one tablespoonful once a day 
in grain. 

Walter Whitfield, Sr. , PonHac, Michigan, R. F. D. 6. 
675 



676 THK PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

BOG-SPAVIN AND THOROUGH-PIN. — Keep the 
horse as quiet as possible in a box-stall and blister once every 
month as long as necessary with the following: 

Biniodide of Mercury.. -.^yi dracliins. 

Can tharides i _J^ " 

Vaseline 2 ounces. 

Mix well together. ^ 

Clip all the hair off and rub the blister (the above ointment) 
well in. Be sure to tie him up so that he cannot bite the parts. 
In twenty-four hours rub well again, and in twenty-four hours 
longer wash off and apply sweet oil every day. It is sometimes 
necessary to blister several times to effect a thorough cure. 

J. Kearns, Palmerston, 0?iiafio, Ca?iada. 

BOTS. — Drench with i pint of Indigo water reasonably 
strong. /. kS*. Harper, Novelty, Missouri, 

BOWELS, INFLAMMATION OF THE.— I treat about 
the same as in colic. I always employ the best veterinarian I 
can, when I have a case of this kind, and they often fail to do 
much. My experience is that much can be accomplished by 
treating the same as colic, and applying lots of heat to the body 
in the form of woolen blankets wrung out in hot water, and held 
up to the belly; also heat the back if you do not use the blanket 
and hot water. Have found it good to use: 

Spirits of Turpentine i ounce. 

Mustard ^ pound. 

Vinegar , ^ gallon. 

Mix together and rub on the belly and strap 
a blanket on ttie horse; also apply some on the 
back of the animal. 

I am a farmer 60 years of age and have farmed all my life. 
Have used all the recipes I am sending you, for over 35 years, 
and found them to be of great success with my own stock, as 
well as to the neighborhood in which I live. I believe I could 
sell a number of your books here, as the farmers around would, 
like to get hold of some of the recipes I am sending you. 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 677 

The recipes I am sending you are intended for animals that 
have come to maturity, and should be reduced according to the 
age and strength of the animal. 

I wish you success with your book. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Sinicoe Co., Ontario. 

BREAST BRUISED FROM EATING OUT OF A 
HIGH MANGER.— Put in a rowel made of leather or silk 
thread. Keep moving it every day until it is running well, then 
remove the string and keep sore washed well with warm water. 

/. P. W'oodard, New Comerstown, Ohio. 

CASTRATION, BLEEDING FROM.— Rub back with 
salt water and apply vinegar to sore. 

Aimer L. Malayid, Rushford, Minnesota. 

CATARRH IN THE HEAD, OR THE HEAVES.— 
Feed western prairie hay. This hay has plenty of resin plant in it. 

D. F. Pike, Lisbon, Ohio. 

COLIC. — Sulphuric Ether, given in i ounce doses, mixed 

with twice the quantity of warm water or milk — dose repeated in 

15 minutes if not easier — will positively cure any case of acute or 

spasmodic colic. This remedy will also cure colic in any animal 

or human, and will positively cure the so-called "Lamb Cholera" 

in 3^oung lambs if discovered before they are too far gone. "Lamb 

Cholera' ' is nothing but colic produced by sickness or changes in 

the dam's milk. 

Geo. M. Wilber, Marysville, Ohio. 

2. Colic. — Have found whiskey and soda the safest remedy. 
Give I pint whiskey and a tablespoonful of soda mixed. Repeat 
the dose if not relieved in thirty minutes. 

W. A. La7igford, Richmond, Kentucky. 

3. Colic. — Take 1^ pints of lard, heat quite warm, place 
in a bottle and drench the horse with it. This can be used when 
other remedies cannot be had. 

Gurley Taylor, Boo7iville, Indiana. 



678 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

4. Colic. — 20 drops Wild Yam in y^ pint warm water every 
fifteen to thirty minutes will cure colic. 

W, I. Reynolds^ PH)estone, Minnesota. 

5. Colic. — Make i quart of strong hop tea, drench the 
horse, then move him briskly for half quarter and back. 

My remedies for Bots and Colic I got from my father, who 
was a veterinary. I never knew him to lose a horse, and he 
traveled all over this country. 

/. S. Harper, Novelty, Missouri, 

6. Colic. — In early stage. 

Aqua Ammonia r teaspoonful. 

SweetMilk i pint. 

Shake well and give in one dose. 

7. Colic. — 

Spirits of Turpentine i ounce. 

Laudanum 2 ounces. 

Warm Water i pint. 

Mix and give in one dose. 

Colic is about the only thing that ever ails my horses, and if 
I fail to have the above on hand, I give ^ pound of common 
baking soda in a quart of water and repeat in half an hour if 
necessary. This has never failed me yet. 

W. A. Eastwood, Chesa7iing , Michigan, R. I". D. 2. 

8. Colic. — A horse's stomach holds but four quarts. If 
watered after feeding it will force all feed into the large 
intestines, where it will ferment and cause colic. 

Laudanum. 

Sulphuric Ether. 

Spirits of Nitre — equal parts of each. 

Give 2 tablespoonfuls every half hour in 
pint of water. 

Jacob Shearley, Frankli7i, Pennsylvania. 

9. Colic. — Give one heaping tablespoonful of soda in one 
quart of buttermilk. Put the soda into the buttermilk just 
when ready to give. Repeat in half an hour, if necessary. 

Robert E. Chambe7's, Spencer, Indiana, R. F. D. i . 



PRACTICAI, RKCIPES FROM FARMERS 679 

10. Colic or Pain Cure. — 

Laudanum i ounce. 

Spirits of Camphor I " 

Tincture of Rhubarb i " 

Oil of Peppermint 2 drachms. 

Oil of Cinnamon 2 " 

Dose for a horse, 30 to 40 drops in yi, pint 
warm water. 

Excellent for persons also, given, of course, in smaller doses. 

D. H. Clifton, DeClif, Ohio. 

11. Colic. — Pour one teaspoonful of Turpentine on spine, 
then insert an onion up the rectum, then let him inhale the 
Turpentine. This will cause a passage. If not, move him about. 

J. P. Woodard^ New Comerstown, Ohio. 

12. Colic. — One-half cupful of Spirits of Turpentine in one 
quart of warm water, given as a drench. 

Isaac Salkeld, Goderich, Ontario^ Canada. 

13. No. I. — For Colic. — 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre i^ ounces. 

Tincture of Opium i ounce. 

Extract of Ginger y^ " 

Water ^4 pint. 

Mix and give as one dose. 

14. No. 2.— For Wind Colic- 

Chloroform }i ounce. 

Linseed Oil, raw i quart. 

Mix and give as one dose. 

IVm. A. Hale, Anamosa, Iowa. 

15. Colic- 

Wormwood, Oil of % ounce. 

Origanum, Oil of ^ " 

Laudanum "% " 

Gum Camphor '% " 

Capsicum, pulverized % " 

Alcohol Yt, pint. 

Dose. — For a horse, one tablespoonful in one- 
half teacupful of lukewarm water. Repeat in 
half an hour. 
Walter Whitfield, Sy., Pontiac, Michigan, R. P. D. 6. 



68o THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

16. Colic. — 

Chamomile Tea (warm) i pint. 

Spirits of Nitre i ounce. 

Saleratus (or Soda)... i 

3fix and give to horse out of long-necked 
bottle, as one dose. Rub horse's flanks and 
small-of-back and keep fairly warm with a 
blanket. 

Eryiesi Heine, Elle^idale, North Dakota. 

17. Colic. — 

Chloroform i teaspoonful. 

Cayenne Pepper i " 

Ginger I tablespoonful. 

Give in one pint warm water, then follow in 
fifteen minutes with from one to one-half pints 
raw Linseed Oil. 
The above, so far as I have tried or have seen tried, has 

proved entirely successful. 

H. M. Hance, Shepherd, Michigan. 

COLIC, CRAMP.— 

Sulphuric Ether 2 ounces. 

Laudanum 2 " 

Give in ^ pint Linseed Oil raw. 

G. D. Foster, Kingfisher, Oklahoma. 

COLIC, SPASMODIC— 

Tincture of Asaf etida 4 ounces. 

Sulphtuic Ether ij^ ounce. 

Mix, and give % of contents in i pint of 
warm water every ten minutes until relief. 

Gilbert Holmes, Hillsboro, Ohio, R. F. D. 6. 

2. Colic, Spasmodic. — 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1%. ounce. 

Tincture of Opium i ounce. 

Extract of Ginger y'z " 

Water yi pint. 

Mix and give as one dose. When pos- 
sible, give warm water injections. 

Have used this remedy for twenty-five years with very good 

results in nearly every case. 

John Gazvthrop, Milford, Indiana. 



PRACTICAI. RECIPES FROM FARMERS 68 1 

3. Colic, Spasmodic. — My favorite remedy for this is: 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre i ounce. 

Tincture Laudanum i " 

Ginger i tablespoonful. 

Common Soda i " 

Lukewarm Water. I pint. 

Mix and give as one dose. Repeat every 
four hours until better. In bad cases apply 
hot cloths to the belly. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 

COLIC, WIND OR FLATULENT.— I treat the same 
as in Spasmodic CoHc, given over my name, only I give an 
occasional drench of: 

Common Soda 3 tablespoonfuls. 

Ginger l tablespoonful. 

This is to take the wind away. 
George Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 

COLLAR GALLS.— 

Vaseline 4 ounces. 

Tannin 2 drachms. 

Apply morning and evening. 

Aimer L. 3Iala?id, Rushford, Minnesota. 

COLLAR, SCALD UNDER.— Bathe in cold water. 

W. S. Starcher, Berlin, Wisconsin. 

CONDITION, TO. — When a horse is sick and does not 
eat well, feed him a hot mash and some apples. 

J. P. Woodard, New Comerstotmi, Ohio. 

CONDITION POWDER.— The following is a recipe 
which I know to be very good, in fact, the best I ever used, and 
I have used quite a number of the different powders. 

Ginger 6 ounces. 

Elecampane 6 " 

Juniper Berries 4 " 

Fenugreek 6 " 

Epsom Salts 4 " 

Gentian Root 4 " 

Tartar Emetic 2 " 

Powder all well together and give one table- 
spoonful in soft feed twice a day. 

Valentine TJioeny, Tell, Buffalo County, Wisconsin. 



682 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 



2. Condition Powder. — 



Rosin 

Sulphur 

Ginger 

Saltpeter 

Cream of Tartar. 

Copperas 

Poplar Bark 

Fenugreek 

Blood Root 

Buchu 

Senna 



part. 



Pulverize and mix. Dose, i tablespoonful in 
feed or bran mash. 

I have used this condition powder for thirty-five years and 
have found it the best thing ever tried for conditioning horses. 
It cleanses the stomach and bowels, removes worms and purifies 
the blood. It is highly praised by liverymen who have used it. 
/. F. R. Hohnes, Hillsboro, Ohio, R. RD.j. 

3. Condition Powder. — For horses that are run down and do 
not thrive. First, examine the teeth. 

Fenugreek, Cream of Tartar, Gentian, Sulphur, Saltpetre, 
Rosin, Black Antimony and Ginger, equal parts; Cayenne 
Pepper, one-half part. Thoroughly mix and give one table- 
spoonful in bran once a day. 

/. W. Higgs, Silver Leaf, North Dakota. 

COUGH. — If a horse has a cough following distemper, or 
any disease of the respiratory organs, or in heaves, give the 
following: 

Oil Tar 4 ounces. 

Oil Amber 4 " 

Coal Oil (Kerosine) 4 " 

Spirits of Turpentine 4 " 

3fix Oil Tar and Oil Amber in one bottle and 
the Coal Oil and Turpentine in another. To 
give: Put one tablespoonful of the latter in 
the drench bottle, and shake so the Tar and 
Amber Oils will not stick; then add one table- 
spoonful of the Oils of Tar and Amber. Shake 
and give as a drench, repeating every night 
after feeding until the cough stops. 



PRACTlCAIy RECIPES FROM FARMERS 683 

Also give a teacupful of Raw Linseed Oil every morning. 
This will cure heaves or any other cough if properly used. It is 
the best throat and lung medicine in use. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 

CUTS. — For cuts of any kind apply Turpentine as soon as 
possible, then follow with liberal applications of Sweet Oil. 

H. M. Hance, Shepherd, Michigan. 
CUTS AND WOUNDS.— 

Linseed Oil 8 ounces. 

Carbolic Acid i ounce. 

Iodoform. i drachm. 

Oxide of Zinc i " 

Mix thoroughly and apply twice a day. 

Bartley Jost, Alma, Wisconsin. 

FRESH CUTS, SALVE FOR— CALLED "BISHOP'S 
SALVE."— 

Red Lead i pound. 

Linseed Oil i pint. 

Boil together. Care must be taken in boil- 
ing or it will bum or get too hard to use. 

D. H. Clifton, De Cliff, Ohio. 

CRACKED HEELS, SCRATCHES, OLD SORES, 
OPEN JOINT. — Is excellent for all enumerated, and will stop 
the oil from running out of the joints. 

Sugar of Lead i tablespoonful. 

Alum I 

Bluestone (Sulphate of Copper) i " 

Best Vinegar i teacupful 

Mix. For fresh wounds add more vinegar. 

I paid $5.00 for this recipe and it is the best money I ever 
invested. If a horse gets kicked on the stifle joint, bathe with 
hot water with a little salt in it. Have water as hot as your hand 
will bear, and continue applying for twenty minutes. Wipe dry 
and apply the above liniment freely. Have saved many a good 
horse with this liniment. I never poultice a horse when kicked 
on the stifle joint; think it is a great mistake to do so. If you 
have to use a s>Tinge with this liniment use a glass one, as it will 
spoil any other kind. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 



684 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

DIARRHOEA IN YOUNG FOALS.— In mild cases give 
the following : 

Flour 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Cold Water I teacupful. 

Mix and drench twice a day. 

If the colt is in pain give the following: 

Tincture laudanum lo to 15 drops. 

Castor Oil i ounce. 

Whiskey or Brandy 2 tablespoonfuls. 

3Iix and drench. Also apply mustard plas- 
ter — mustard and flour in equal parts — to the 
belly, and keep the colt warm. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 
DISTEMPER, OR STRANGLES.— 

Resin i pound. 

Alum I 

Ginger i " 

Blue Vitriol % 

Powder, mix all together and give i table- 
spoonful twice per day in feed. 

I never knew it to fail. Had nine head of my own with it 
one fall and they got along finely under this treatment. 

Johji D. Allcfi, Wort hi72g ton, hidiana. 

2. Distemper. — Keep bowels open with yi pint Castor Oil 
and y^ pint Salts dissolved in warm water. Give warm. If the 
throat is badly swollen, take i gallon shelled oats, pour boiling 
water on them, and when cool enough put them in a sack and 
bind under jaw and throat. Rub the throat with the following 
liniment: 

Olive Oil 4 ounces. 

Spirits of Turpentine i ounce. 

Spirits of Camphor i " 

Aqua Ammonia i^ ounces. 

This liniment is good for sprains, bruises, sore shoulders. 
Stiff joints and pains generally, in man or beast. 

Robert E. Chambers, Speyicer, hidiana, R. F. D. i. 



PRACTICAIv RECIPES FROM FARMERS 685 

3. Distemper. — 

Common Black Gunpowder... i tablespoonful. 

Lard I 

Soapsuds (stiflf) i " 

Pine Tar 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Gum Myrrh i tablespoonful. 

Mix and put one teaspoonful of the mixture 
on horse's tongue twice a day. 

Bathe throat with Tobacco tea, as follows: To one quart of 
water add one ounce of cheap Tobacco and let water boil up. 
Apply as hot as horse can bear it. 

Ernest Heine, Ellendale, North Dakota. 

4. Distemper. — In bad cases of distemper in horses or mules I 
use lyinseed Oil. Pour one tablespoonful into each ear. 

T. M. Hiime^ Williavistown, Kentucky. 

5. Distemper, or Strangles, A Good Remedy for. — Will 
prevent gathering or breaking if used at the outset. 

Spanish Flies (powdered ) i O'.mce. 

White Wine Vinegar i gallon. 

Mix. Clip off the hair from the throat and 
apply the remedy twice a day. Do not let the 
mixture freeze. Keep in a warm place in the 
winter. 

This is also a good remedy for laryngitis or inflammation of 
the throat, and should be applied in the same way as for distemper. 
For internal use take : 

Saltpeter % pound 

Chlorate of Potash % " 

Mix and give one teaspoonful on the tongue 
three times a day. 

George Catni)bell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., OntaHo. 

6. Distemper, or Strangles, Bastard. — For this disease I 
mix mustard and cayenne pepper in equal parts with water to a 
thin paste and apply to the throat and windpipe, down on the 
chest, and also apply some to the abscesses to bring them "to a 
head." When ready to open, lance abcesses on the lower part, to 
favor escape of matter, and press it out. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Qyitario. 



686 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

EYES, INFLAMMATION OF THE.— Use Extract of 
Witch Hazel freely to bathe the eyes. Very good. 

Alme} L. Maland, Rushford, Minnesota. 

2. Eyes, Inflammation of. — 

Sulphate of Zinc i drachm. 

Carbolic Acid Yz " 

Glycerine i ounce. 

Water 4 ounces. 

Get this lotion prepared by a druggist and put four or five 
drops into the affected eyes morning and evening. 

Walter Whitfield, Sr., Pontiac, I\Iichigan, R. F. D. 6. 

FARCY.— 

Nitrate of Potash, powdered finely. 4 ounces. 

Black Antimony 2 " 

Sulphite of Soda, powdered i ounce. 

Elecampane, powdered 2 ounces. 

Mix and give i tablespoonful once or twice 
a day. 

This remedy I have tried a good many times in the last thirty 
years and it has never failed to do the desired work. 

Tilnian Wilkin, Spencerville , Ohio. 

2. Farcy. — Or swelling along the abdomen caused by indi- 
gestion from heavy feeding and run down condition. 

Saltpeter 3 ounces. 

Sulphur 3 " 

Cream of Tartar 3 " 

Anise Seed 3 " 

Mix and divide into four powders. Give 
one powder in feed the first meal, one the 
second, miss the third, give the fourth, miss 
the fifth and give the sixth. Better to be given 
in soft feed. A sure cure. 

John Oatway, Green Ridge, Manitoba, Canada. 

FISTULA, OR POLL EVIL.— 

Alcohol 6 ounces. 

Oil of Spike , 2 

Oil of Sassafras 2 

Camphor Gum 4 

Ox or Beef Gall 2 

Oil of Tansy 2 

Apply once per day before pus has formed. 
It is a sure cure. 

Joh7i D. Allen, Worthingion, Indiana. 



PRACTICAI^ RECIPES FROM FARMERS 687 

FOUNDER. — The following receipt is a sure and speedy- 
remedy: Take a tablespoonful of pulverized Alum, pull the 
horse's tongue out of his mouth as far as possible and throw the 
Alum down his throat. Let go of his tongue and hold up his 
head until he swallows. In six hours time, no matter how bad 
the founder, he will be fit for moderate service. I have seen this 
remedy tested so often with perfect success that I would not make 
five dollars difference in a horse foundered (if done recently) and 
one that was not. 

Gilbert Holmes, Hillsboro, Ohio, R. f. D. 6. 

2. Founder. — Founder is produced by three different causes: 
over-feeding, watering when too warm, or by driving a horse 
until he is very warm and letting him stand in a cold, raw wind 
without blanket. The last case is very severe and is diflScult to 
cure. 

For Founder of short standing, take the small blade of a pen- 
knife, one-half inch from the point, and bleed in the wart of the 
feltlock of each fore leg, taking one teaspoonful of blood from 
each, and cause him to swallow a teaspoonful of dry Alum. If 
he has been foundered for any length of time, treat as above and 
bathe the legs thoroughly with the following: 

Beef's Gall, fluid contents of 6 ounces. 

Alcohol 6 " 

Ammonia, Spirits of 3 " 

Shake well and bathe twice a day. 

F. E. Battle, Falls, Texas. 

3. Founder. — A good remedy if the trouble is caused by too 
much grain. Keep the animal from water for twelve hours. As 
soon as you can, draw one gallon of blood from the horse's neck, 
then drench with one quart Linseed Oil and rub the fore legs long 
and well with very hot water. 

/. W. Higgs, Silver Leaf, North Dakota. 

4. Founder, From Grain. — Drench with one pint Linseed 
Oil. Stand his front feet in a tub of hot water. In one hour, if 
he has not had a passage, repeat the dose. Give him exercise 
and some water. 

/. P. Woodard, New Comerstown, Ohio. 



688 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

5. Founder, To Prevent. — For a horse that has been over- 
fed grain, if taken immediately, give one tablespoonf ul of powdered 
Alum by drawing out tongue, placing thereon and letting go at 
once. Follow with i^ quarts raw Linseed Oil. Bleeding in feet 
will also help if the person is competent to use the knife. 

lV?n. A. Hale, Anamosa, Iowa. 

FROST'S CELEBRATED BLACK OIL FOR MAN 
OR BEAST.— 

Neat's Foot Oil i pint. 

Spirits of Turpentine i " 

Oil of Spike 2 ounces. 

Oil of Origanum 2 " 

Oil of Vitriol i ounce. 

This liniment jnust be properly mixed to be of value, as fol- 
lows: Secure a half gallon jug, put the first four ingredients in 
and stir them thoroughly together, after which add a little 
of the Vitriol and continue stirring for a few minutes, then 
add a little more Vitriol and repeat the stirring, continuing this 
until the Vitriol is all used. // requires about two hours to get the 
Vitriol in without burning the liniment. Then let the whole mix- 
ture stand a few hours and it is ready for use. 

This liniment should be applied externally and is the best 
and cheapest all-around stock liniment I ever saw. It is especially 
valuable for cuts, bruises, rheumatism and stiff joints. It is strong 
enough to kill bone spavin, and will not produce anymore sensa- 
tion in a fresh cut than so much water if it is properly mixed. If 
it is not properly mixed, it produces a burning sensation and is 
valueless. If used on animals, it should be washed out of the 
hair every other day as it may cause the hair to slip; otherwise it 
will not do any damage. It is the best wire-cut remedy I ever 
saw as it leaves the least scars. 

This recipe has been in use in our family for fifty years and 
is the most valued one we have. 

L. L. Frost, Mirabile, Missouri. 

GALLS ON HORSES.— White Lead moistened with Sweet 
Oil or sweet milk. Cover the galled spots twice a day. Wash 
before each application. 

/. P. Woodard, New Co7nerstown, Ohio. 



PRACTICAI. RECIPES FROM FARMERS 689 

GREASE HEEL.— Give Sulphite of Soda, 3^ ounce three 
times per day, and also give Cantharides, 5 grains once per day. 
Joseph H. Reed, Canonsbiirg , Peyinsylvania, R. F. D. j8. 

2. Grease Heel, Scratches and Old Sores, Good Lini- 
ment For. — 

Linseed Oil i quart. 

Turpentine. ^ pint. 

OilofVitriol 2 ounces. 

Put the Linseed Oil and Turpentine into a 
glass jar or earthem vessel anddrop the Vitriol 
in slowly, stirring until cool. 

Joseph H. Reed, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, R. F. D. j8. 

Grease Leg. — Prepare horse for physic by giving bran 
mash diet for twenty-four hours, then give the following: 

Barbadoes Aloes 6 drachms. 

Ginger, ground 2 " 

Oil, raw i pint. 

Next dissolve two ounces of Saltpeter, put into one-half pail 
of cold water and bathe the leg thoroughly for thirty minutes; 
then spread a poultice of boiled flaxseed on a cloth large enough 
to cover leg from back to fetlock, sprinkle poultice freely with 
Carbolic Acid, place poultice on leg and bandage well with flan- 
'lel to retain heat. Renew poultice on leg several times for a 
couple of days until grease is well drawn out or scab is formed on 
leg, then remove poultice and wash leg regularly with the follow- 
ing: 

Wa er, soft ^ pailful. 

Creolin 2 tablespoon fuls. 

Also use Castile soap and continue the washings until all 
scurf is removed. Keep leg bandaged while operating, gradually 
changing to lighter bandages until finished. 

The above is a sure cure for grease or swelled leg . I have 
used it on several of my own horses during the past ten or fifteen 
years and have given it to many of my neighbors, and have never 
known it to fail when taken in the early stage of the disease and 
properly and carefully applied. I first got the remedy from a 
clergyman from the Highlands of Scotland. 

y. D. Baskervillc , Do7?iinion City, Manitoba, Canada. 
44 



690 THE PRACTlCAI y STOCK DOCTOR 

Grease, Ointment For. — 

Honey Yz pound. 

Lard % " 

Tar 'A " 

White Vitriol i ounce. 

Sugar of Lead i " 

Alum j^ pound. 

Melt together the first three ingredients, pulverize the bal- 
ance and mix in by stirring until cold. Put on lint cloth, bind 
on and keep on for 40 hours. Repeat as needed. Give purify- 
ing powders. 

I have tried and seen the above tried in several cases and 

never knew it to fail. This receipt is worth as much as the 

horse, for it will cure the grease, and a horse with grease heel is 

worthless. 

A. B. DickersoTi, Lakeview, Michigan. 

HEAVES. — I have known horses to have the heaves so bad 
that they were entirely useless, and cured them completely by 
feeding nothing but ear corn for six to eight months. 

5". IV. Powell, Polo, Illinois. 

2. Heaves, or Broken Wind. — Give eight or ten drops 

Tincture of Phosphorus in the drink several times a day for eight 

or ten days. 

Bartley Jost, Ahna, Wisconsin. 

HOOF BOUND. — The following receipt I know by experi- 
ence to be very good: 

Beeswax 2 ounces. 

Venetian Turpentine 2 " 

Burgundy Pitch 2 " 

Rosin 2 " 

Olive Oil 3 " 

Pine Tar 4 " 

Dissolve and add Spirits of Tur- 
pentine 2 " 

Rub well on hoof affected once every day for eight or ten 
days, and in severe cases repeat the treatment after an elapse of 
one week. 

Vakfitine Thoeny, Tell, Buffalo County, Wiscoyisin. 



PRACTlCAIv RECIPES FROM FARMERS 691 

HOOF OINTMENT.— 

Archangel Tar i pound. 

Tallow % " 

Beeswax 4 ounces. 

Melt together and apply twice a day. 

Bartley Jost, Alma, Wisconsin. 

2, Hoof Ointment. — For crack in hoof or to grow on a 

new hoof. 

Muriatic Acid i ounce. 

Butter of Antimony i " 

White Vitriol, pulverized i " 

Mix and apply to parts. 

John Oatway, Green Ridge, Manitoba, Canada. 

INDIGESTION, ACUTE.— One quart raw Unseed Oil- 
Use as a drench and repeat if not reheved soon. 

W. R. Sedberry, Pitts field, Elinois. 

2. Indigestion, Acute. — First mix and give the following: 

Common Soda 4 tablespoonfuls. 

Ginger i tablespoonful. 

This will neutralize the gas in the stomach. In % hour after 
I give the following: 

Spirits of Turpentine I ounce. 

Tincture Laudanum I " 

Raw Linseed Oil i pint. 

3fix and give as a drench, and repeat every 
four hours until better. Apply to the stomach 
hot cloths as directed in congestion of the 
lungs over my name. 

I treat chronic indigestion the same as acute indigestion, 
only I use more Ginger and Soda, or ground Gentian Root. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Sinicoe Co., Ontario. 

LICE. — Insect Powder dusted over a horse well, then blank- 
eted for an hour, will kill lice. Repeat in one week. 

Elmer C Wood, Mt. Gilead, Ohio. 

LINIMENT FOR SPRAINS, BRUISES, ETC.— 

Liquor Ammonia 

Tincture of Arnica 

Tincture of Opium 

Oil of Turpentine 

Alcohol 

Water, add to make i pint. 

Bathe two or three times daily, rubbing in 
well with the hand. 



692 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK ]DOCTOR 



This is a splendid remedy for sprains or bruises, good for 

man or beast. One of my neighbors had a very sore foot which 

he cured with this remedy. Have used this liniment continuously 

for thirty years. 

John Gawthrop^ Milford, hidiana. 

2. Liniment. — 

Oil of Spike 2 ounces. 

Origanum 2 

Hemlock 2 

Wormwood 2 

Sweet Oil 4 

Spirits of Ammonia 2 

Gum Camphor 2 

Spirits of Turpentine 2 

Alcohol (strong) I quart. 

Mix well together and bottle tight. 
An unequaled horse liniment, and one of the best ever made 
for human ailments, such as rheumatism, sprains, etc. 

Gurley Taylor, Boojiville, Indiana. 

3. Liniment, Clifton's. — 

Spirits of Ammonia i ounce. 

Spirits of Camphor 2 ounces. 

Turpentine 2 " 

SweetOil i ounce. 

Gasoline, sufficient to make i pint. 

Keep away frotn the fire when applying it. 

D. H. Clifton, De Cliff, Ohio. 

4. Liniment. — My favorite, and an excellent one for lumps, 
cuts, bruises, etc. 

Turpentine 4 ounces. 

Linseed Oil 4 " 

Oil of Spike 4 

Gum of Camphor 2 ' 

Rub on as often as the case seems to require. 
James M. Ross, Fairinoiint, West Virginia, R. F. D.j. 

5. Liniment for Sprains, Bruises, Sores, Lameness, 

Etc. — This liniment has been thoroughly tested for years, and 

no one will be disappointed in using it. 

Olive Oil 4 ounces. 

Turpentine 4 

Gum Camphor 5 cents worth. 

Charles E. Haynes, Hillsboro, Ohio,. 



PRACTICAI. RECIPES FROM FARMERS 693 

6. Liniment. — 

Whiskey ^ 6 ounces. 

Turpentine 2 " 

Spirits of Camphor 2 " 

Spirits of Soap 2 " 

Apply three times a day. 

Bariley Jost, Alma, JVisconsin, 

7. Liniment, Good for Man or Beast. — Mix 2 ounces 
Spirits of Turpentine with % pint hard water and shake thor- 
oughly for five minutes. Add one hen's egg well beaten 
and shake again for five minutes. Put in 2 ounces Methylated 
Spirits of Alcohol (wood alcohol) and shake five minutes; add 
2 ounces strong Liquor of Ammonia and shake five minutes. 
Add hard water enough to make up a quart and shake again 
thoroughly and the liniment is ready for use. This is a great 
and effectual remedy for all kinds of sprains and bruises when 
the skin is not broken. 

L. D. Arnold, Bergen, New York. 

LOCKJAW, CURE FOR.— Bleed the horse in the third 
bar of the mouth and drench with strong, salt water. 

J. P. Woodard, New Comerstown, Ohio. 

LUNGS, CONGESTION OF THE.— Give the following: 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre i ounce. 

I<audanum % " 

Cold Water i pint. 

3Iix and give as a drench in one dose, 
repeating every two to three hours. If the 
horse is in high condition, add to the above 10 
to 15 drops of Fleming's Tincture of Aconite. 

Apply hot cloths to the chest, that are wrung out from the 
following: 

. Mustard 2 ounces. 

Spirits of Turpentine 3 " 

Hot Water }^ pailful. 

If the horse has a cough afterward give him the remedy 
for cough, to which my name is signed. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Si?ncoe Co., Ontario. 



694 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

MANGE.— 

No. I. — Carbolic Acid i ounce. 

Sulphur % " 

Water i pint. 

No. 2. — Sulphur yi pound. 

Lard i 

Olive Oil I ounce. 

Wash with tar soap and warm water and apply No. i ; the 

next day apply No. 2; the third day wash again with tar soap 

and warm water and apply No. i, and so on. 

A Inter L. M aland, Rushford, Minnesota. 

2. Mange, or Any Skin Trouble. — Also good for dogs. 
— One bottle of Babbitt's Concentrated Lye dissolved in ^ 
gallon of water. Add 4 pounds of Sulphur and stir until dis- 
solved. Put contents into 40 gallons of water and then add 5 
ounces of Sulphuric Acid. Rub animal from head to feet with 

the mixture. It will cure the worst case. 

H. B. Gentry, Bloomingto7i, Indiana. 

NAIL IN FOOT. — Crush peach leaves and moisten slightly, 
press or inject into the wound the juice or moisture obtained, 
then bind on to wound a poultice of the moist crushed leaves. 
This is the best remedy that in over forty years' experience as a 
farmer I have ever known. It is a most remarkable remedy for 
wounds, swellings and malignant sores of any kind, and is just 
as good for use on man as beast. It is also a remarkable anti- 
septic. 

S. Alexander , Birmingham, Michigan. 

NAIL PUNCTURE. — Clean out the puncture at once and 
stand the foot for two or three hours in a strong lye made of 
hardwood ashes and hot water. Then make a poultice of Indian 
meal and this lye and apply to wound, keeping it on for six or 
eight hours and changing frequently to keep poultice as hot as 
possible. The lye kills the poison and lockjaw will not set in. 
This remedy is also good for man. 

D. H. Clifton, De Cliff, Ohio. 

NAIL WOUNDS. — A splendid and 7ieve7 failing remedy 
is a liberal application of Antiphlogistine (found at any drug 
store). Wash off and repeat as the occasion may demand. 

W. A. Langford, Richmond, Kentucky. 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 695 

OVER EATING, WHEAT OR OTHER GRAIN.— 
Give the following: 

Common or Baking Soda.... 4 tablespoonfuls. 

Ginger i tablespoonful. 

Lukewarm Water i pint. 

Mix and give as a drench and this will 
neutralize the gas. 

One-half an hour afterward give: 

Saltpeter I tablespoonful. 

Raw Linseed Oil i^ pints. 

Dissolve the Saltpeter in hot water, mix it 
with the oil and give it as a drench. 
If the horse is not better, treat the same as in AcUTE 
Indigestion, only do not give any water to drink for twenty 
hours. George Campbell, Gilchist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 

PNEUMONIA, OR LUNG FEVER.— Raw whiskey 
with soft food is the most effective medicine. If the horse is 
cold, give him a quart for first dose, then in quantities to keep 
warm. Under no circumstances feed grain to a horse suffering 
with this disease. When he lies down, he is either dead or im- 
proving. If the latter, let him sleep as long as he will, then be 
very careful about feeding. 

W. A. Layigford, Richmond, Kentucky. 

POLL EVIL. — See remedy for Fistula and Poll Evil 
given by yohn D. Allen, Worthington, Indiatia. 

RINGBONE, BUNCHES, STIFF JOINTS, ETC., 
LINIMENT TO REMOVE.— 

Turpentine 4 ounces. 

Salt I tablespoonful. 

Eggs, whites of % dozen. 

Shake thoroughly together and apply. 
W. A. Eastwood, Ckesaning , Michigayi, R. /*. D. 2. 

SCRATCHES.— 

Vaseline i ounce. 

Sugar of Lead i " 

Carbolic Acid 10 drops. 

Make into an ointment. 
Cleanse thoroughly with castile soap and warm soft water, 
rub gently with a soft cloth until dry, then apply the ointment. 

R. H. Rogers, Hudson, Mic/iiga?i. 



696 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

2. Scratches. — Give the horse each day enough Epsom 
Salts to keep the bowels loose, and apply the following: 

Nut Gall 2 ounces. 

Copperas 2 " 

BlueVitriol 2 " 

Alum 2 " 

Cider Vinegar >^ gallon. 

Warm until dissolved and rub in well. 

Jacob Shearley, Franklin, Penyisylvania. 

3. Scratches. — Wash the affected part clean with strong; 
soapsuds and apply freely Gombault's Caustic Balsam, Have; 
known this to cure when all other remedies had failed. 

W. A. Lang ford, Richmond, Ke^itucky. 

4. Scratches. — The best remedy I have found for Scratches 
is to clean the horse's legs thoroughly, rub dry, then apply White 
lycad softened by mixing with Linseed Oil. Apply each night 
tintil cured. 

James M. Ross, Fairm.ount, West Virginia, R. F. D. j. 

5. Scratches and Grease Heel. — 

Apple Vinegar i quart. 

Litharge 4 ounces. 

Put in a pot, simmer to one pint, strain and let cool. Wash 
the affected part with castile soap and warm water, dry and apply 
the liquid cold, either with a soft brush or cloth. Keep the 
animal in a dry place. 

Robert E. Chambers, Spencer, Indiana, R. F. D. i. 

6. Scratches, Grease, Wounds and Bruises. — The 

following is a remedy I have used for a long time and have 
found to be an excellent thing for healing all kinds of wounds 
and bruises where the skin is broken. Also where the skin is 
irritated, such as scratches, grease, etc. The men working for 
me often use it for chapped or cracked hands in the fall and 

spring. 

Sulphate of Zinc i ounce. 

Sugar of Lead i " 

Alum, pulverized i " 

Add enough water to make i^ quarts, shake thoroughly, 
apply to parts affected with a soft sponge or cloth. If for 



PRACTlCAIv RECIPES FROM FARMERS 697 

scratches, wash first with warm water and white castile soap 
and apply morning and night till cracks heal and the soreness is 
gone. ^- D. Arnold, Bergeti, New York. 

SHOULDERS OF HORSES, LUMPS ON, CAUSED 
BY COLLARS. - 

Biniodide of Mercury i drachm. 

Lard I ounce. 

Mix and rub a little on hard lumps once 
every ten days till they disappear. 
Walter Whitfield, Sr. , Pontiac, Michigan, R. F.D.6. 

Shoulders, Sore. — See that the collar fits well and keep it 
perfectly clean. Bathe the shoulders three times a day with cold 
water and lots of salt, and apply to the raw surface a lotion 
composed of the following: 

Sulphate of Zinc i ounce. 

Acetate of Lead i " 

Carbolic Acid i drachm. 

Water, soft i pint. 

Shake well together. 

/. Kearjis, Palmerston, Ontario, Canada, 

Shoulders, Swelling of. — 

Sugar of Lead (solution) i pint. 

Arnica 4 ounces. 

Apply once a day for three days in succession, then stop for 
three days, then repeat the process again and so on until the 
swelling has left. To obtain the best results the horse should be 
given an' absolute rest during the time it is treated. 

Valentine Thoeny, Tell, Wisconsin. 

SORES, OLD OR FISTULOUS. — Pyroligneous Acid. 
Reduce with equal parts of water. 

I used this remedy on a horse that had a bad sore on his 
neck or shoulder. I first cleansed it with Castile soap and soft 
water and then applied the remedy as a wash, using a syringe so 
as to reach all parts of the sore. The sore finally healed up in 
fine shape, after using other remedies and being out of the use of 
the Iiorse for about three months. 

Note.— It is important with sores like the above that they be 
allowed to drain well and not have a sac that holds the fluids and 
prevents drainage. A.B. Brown, Alexandra, South Dakota. 



698 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Sores, on Neck, Back, Shoulders, Etc. — See remedy for 
Warts given by F. E. Battle, Marliti, Texas. 

SPAVIN.— 

Corrosive Sublimate 2 drachms. 

Lard I ounce. 

Tar yi " 

Cantharides 2 drachms. 

This blister should be thoroughly rubbed in with the hand 
for about ten minutes. Twenty-four hours afterward apply a 
httle oil or vaseline, and repeat night and morning until the 
blister heals. Bartley /ost, Alma, Wisconsin. 

2. Spavin, Curb, Bunches, Sweeny, Lameness, Etc. — 

Use Gombault's Caustic Balsam in the following manner: Rub 
the flesh briskly with a coarse towel to cause irritation, then 
apply the Caustic Balsam in small quantities, rubbing it in with 
the hand very thoroughly until the flesh becomes tender. In 
twenty- four hours apply more Balsam, but without much 
rubbing. The best time to make these applications is in the 
evening when a piece of flannel can be put over the affected 
part and allowed to remain until morning. After the second 
application leave entirely alone for the next five days, then 
repeat the same treatment and thereafter at intervals of five days 
until you feel that the cure is complete. 

Aimer L. Maland, Rush ford, Minnesota. 

3. Spavin, Splints, Ringbone, Enlargement of Glands> 
Blister for.— 

Lard I pound. 

Turpentine 4 ounces. 

Powdered Flies (Cantharides) 3 " 

Biniodide of Mercury 6 drachms. 

Mix thoroughly together and apply. Heal 
raw surface with oil of vaseline. 

Bartley Jost, Alma, Wisconsin. 

4. Spavin, Ringbone, Bog Spavin, Wind Galls. — 

Cantharides 2 ounces. 

Mercurial Ointment 4 " 

Tincture of Iodine 5 " 

Turpentine 4 " 

Corrosive Sublimate 5 drachms. 

Lard i>^ pounds. 

Mix the other ingredients thoroughly into 
the lard. 




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PRACTICAI^ RECIPES FROM FARMERS 69^ 

For Ringbone or Bone Spavin cut off the hair from the part 

affected, anoint the lump with the ointment and rub in well with 

the hand. In two days grease with lard, and in two days wash 

off with soap and warm water and again apply the ointment and 

repeat as before. 

G. R. Padelford, Hastifigs, Michigan. 

5. Spavin, Bone. — Take soft soap, salt and Turpentine and 
mix together to make a soft salve. Apply three days, then leave 
off three days, but rub gently each day; then apply six days; 
rub gently again until a yellow matter oozes out, then apply once 
in two or three days as long as swelling lasts. 

IK A. Eastwood, C/iCsardng, Michigan, R. F. D. 2. 

6. Spavin, Bone. — A few years ago, while living in south- 
ern Minnesota, I became acquainted with a prominent veterinary 
surgeon who was very successful in removing spavins. The 
remedy became so popular that hundreds of farmers paid $2.50 
for the recipe. Having a valuable horse that "went lame," I 
called the doctor and he informed me the trouble was due to a 
spavin. Following is the recipe, which I used with success: 

Iodine Crystals ?o grains. 

Iodide of Potash 20 " 

Cantharides, powdered 40 " 

Corrosive Sublimate i drachm. 

Red Iodide of Mercury 2 drachms. 

Vaseline, add to i ounce. 

Dissolve the Iodide of Potash in a few drops of water (10 or 
15), add the Iodine Crystals, which will readily dissolve, and 
mix this with the Vaseline. Then add the Corrosive Sublimate 
and the Red Iodide of Mercury, mix thoroughly and add the 
powdered Cantharides. The prescription should be prepared in 
a porcelain or glass vessel. The mortar used by druggists is con- 
venient, or a flat piece of glass, as a window pane, may be used. 
In the last case make a wooden knife with a broad, flat blade, 
break down the lumps of Iodide of Potash in the water, add to 
the Vaseline, add the other ingredients as described and mix 
thoroughly. In mixing in iron or any metal the metal will unite 
with the Iodine Crystals, the Corrosive Sublimate and the Red 
Iodide of Mercury. 

How to Apply. — First wash the spavin with warm water and 
soap, thoroughly, then clip the hair close over the spavin and 



700 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

apply the remedy, rubbing it in for five minutes or more. !Make a 
second application the second or third day, first washing the sur- 
face perfectly clean with soap and warm water. Three applica- 
tions are usually enough, although each spavin must be treated 
according to its needs. The remedy will destroy the growth, and 
when it has all, or nearly all, disappeared, wash clean and apply 
Sweet Oil once or twice a day until the surface heals. After the 
first application the leg will be quite sore and it will require 
patience in the further treatment. 

S./. Wilson, M. D., S8 High St. W., Detroit, Michigan. 

Dr. Wilson is one of the most reliable physicians in Detroit. He says he knows of 25 
or 30 cases where this remedy has cured bone spavin, and he absolutely guarantees this 
recipe if used as instructed. — Publishers. 

SPLINTS.— I have found that the Tincture of Iodine 

applied daily for four or six weeks will in some cases remove 

splints. 

Elmer C. Wood, Mt. Gilead, Ohio. 

SPRAIN.— Bandage with salt and vinegar as warm as the 

horse will stand it. 

J. Woodard, New Conierstown, Ohio. 

SWEENY, OR CURB.— Or for any hard lump the fol- 
lowing liniment is good: 
Sweet Oil. 
Cantharides. 
Hartshorn. 
Origanum. 
Camphor, equal parts of each. 

/. Davis, Liberty, Indiana. 

2. Sweeny. — 

Carbonate of Ammonia i ounce. 

Gum Camphor i " 

Turpentine .^ 34 pint. 

Alcohol. % " 

Apply three times daily, rubbing thoroughly, 
then skip three days. Repeat three times, 
after which grease. This is good liniment for 
sprains or bruises. 

R. H. Rogers, Hudson, Michigan. 

3. Sweeny, Fistula, or any Enlargments or Sj>rains. — 
I consider Gombault's Caustic Balsam the best remedy I have 
ever used. C B. Keys, Richland Center, Wisconsin. 



PRACTICAI. RECIPES FROM FARMERS 701 



4. Sweeny Liniment. — 

Spike, Oil of 

Amber, Oil of 

Wormwood. Oil of 

Origanum, Oil of 

Spirits of Turpentine 

Hartshorn 

Alcohol i^ pint. 

/. IV. Higgs, Silver Leaf, North Dakota. 

THOROUGH-PIN.— See remedy for Bog-Spavin given by 
/. Keatns, Palmefsto?i, Ontaiio, Canada. 

THRUSH. — Clean the foot out clean, then pour the Essence 
of Salt (Muriatic Acid) in around the frog and hold the foot up 
until it quits boiling. Do this once every three days until it is 
dried up. 

/. Davis, Liberty, Indiana. 

2, Thrush. — To be applied externally: 

(a) Carbolic Acid ^ ounce. 

Spirits of Nitre 3 ounces. 

Sweet Oil 2 ' 

Verdigris 4 drachms. 

British Oil 3 ounces. 

The above should be compounded by a druggist as the 
combination is explosive. 

To be given internally: 

(b) Cream of Tartar 3 ounces. 

Nitrate of Potash 3 " 

Podophyllin 2 " 

Ginger 2 " 

Sulphate of Iron 2 " 

Fenugreek i ounce. 

Apply "a" once a day for three days; give "<^" twice a day 
for three days. Repeat till cured. I have found this good for 
Scratches also. 

D. TerBush, Fenton, Michigan, R. F. D. ^. 

3. Thrush in Horses or Cattle.— Use equal parts of lard, 
pine tar and Blue Vitriol. Pulverize the Vitriol, warm the lard 
and mix all together. Clean out all decayed parts and dirt and 



702 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

apply once a day for a week. Follow with applications of 
common salt. If no better in two weeks, use the first another 
week and follow with salt as before. 

Willia?n A. Hale, Afiamosa, Iowa. 

THROAT, SWELLING IN, TO REDUCE.— 

Iodide of Potassium 4 drachms. 

Oil of Hemlock 2 ounces. 

Turpentine , 3 " 

Oil Stone (liquid) 2 " 

Wormwood i ounce. 

Mix all with Alcohol, 8 ounces; add Tincture 
of Cantharides, 2 ounces. 

Rub swelling thoroughly with this lotion, leave it on for 
three or four days or even a week, then grease for a day or two. 
If the swelling is not reduced sufiiciently, wash off grease and 
■ipply the blister again. Repeat until cured. 

D. TerBush, Feiiton, Michigan, R. F. D. /. 

URINE, RETENTION OF.— For stoppage of water, i 
tablespoon ful of Turpentine to 6 tablespoonfuls of warm water on 
the small of the back. This remedy has never failed with us. 
D. C. & C. B. Cook, Casenovia, Neio York. 

2. Urine, Retention of. — When horse cannot pass urine, 
give Sweet Spirits of Nitre, i ounce, and increase, if not 
relieved, to i}4 ounces mixed with i drachm Cantharides 
(Spanish Fly.) Give every half hour until relieved. Rub back 
with Camphor or a mixture of mustard and ginger. 

Aimer L. Mala fid, Riiskford, Minnesota. 

3. Urine, Retention of. — To relieve a mare of her water 
insert half of an onion, a small lump of salt or a little pepper in 
the vagina at the ends of your fingers as far as possible. This 
done at first will draw her water in ten minutes. This does not 
cure the animal but simply relieves her. Follow with mixture 
No. I, or with mixture No. 2, if it is thought to be wind colic. 
(See Colic remedies Nos. 13 and 14 over Mr. Hale's name.) 
Blanket well if cold weather. 

Wm. A. Hale, Anavwsa, Iowa. 



PRACTlCAIv RECIPES FROM F ARMERS 703 

WARTS. — There are two kinds of warts — the cancer or 
bloody, and the dry or seed wart. Should it be the dry or seed 
wart, make the outer surface raw with a knife and then apply 
the following: 

Coppe as ^ ounce. 

Calomel y^ " 

Alutn % " 

In preparing this, grind the Calomel and Copperas together, 
burn the Alum, mix all together and apply dry to the raw sur- 
face as often as the scab sloughs off until cured. This is a good 
remedy for sore necks, backs, shoulders, etc. , also for destroying 
proud flesh. 

F. E. Battle, Marli?i, Texas. 

WIRE CUTS. — The free and frequent use of common coai 
oil will heal up a wire cut as rapidly and perfectly as any liniment 
I have ever used or any preparation prepared by a veterinary 
surgeon. 

J. P. Steele, Winter set, Iowa. 

2. Wire Cuts and Bruises, Salve for. — 

I^rd (fried out of old pork) |^ pint. 

PineTar yi " 

Mix and apply freely to sores. It will keep 
off the flies, heal up the wound quickly and 
leave no scar. 

Eryiesi Heine, Ellendale, North Dakota. 

3. Wire Cut, or Any Raw Sore.— Take equal parts of 
Amjnonia, pure cider vinegar, eggs and Turpentine. Shake 
well, let stand twelve hours and apply with syringe twice a day. 
Will keep sore clean and heal it rapidly from the bottom. 

W. I. Reynolds, Pipestone, Minnesota. 

4. Wire Cuts, or Flesh Wounds. — Pulp onions and boil in 

clean, sweet lard. Get as strong of onion flavor as possible. 

Strain and keep clean. Apply on fresh wire cuts or flesh wounds 

once a day. It will cleanse the wound and prevent calloused 

edges, which are so common in wire cuts. I have found this an 

infallible remedy. 

A. L. Stutzman, New Sharo?i, Iowa. 



704 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

WORMS. — Mix a handful of strong fine-cut tobacco with 
the oats or bran once a day for a week. Home-grown tobacco 
dried and pulverized is the best. 

D. F. Pike, Lisbon, Ohio. 

2. Worms. — 

Sulphate of Iron i drachm. 

Tartar Emetic i " 

Linseed Meal 2 drachms. 

Mix and give as one dose. 

Give this dose twice daily for one week and then give as 

follows: 

Spirits of Turpentine I ounce. 

Linseed Oil, raw I pint. 

Mix and give as one dose. 

A. B. Brown, Alexayidria, Smith Dakota. 

3. Worms in Horses, Long Round.— Give: 

Spirits of Turpentine i ounce. 

Raw Linseed Oil >4 pint. 

I also give a teaspoonf ul Sulphate of Iron in the feed twice a 
day. If a horse is fed 4 quarts raw potatoes twice a week they 
will kill bots or worms. Salt and hardwood ashes mixed in 
equal parts, and about 2 tablespoon fuls given in their oats or 
soft feed is also very good. 

George Cavi-bbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 

WOUNDS OR CUTS, APPLICATION FOR.— 

Alcohol I pint. 

Camphor i ounce. 

Saltpeter I " 

Gum Guiacum i " 

Joh7i Oatway, Green Ridge, Manitoba, Canada. 
2. Wounds, Fresh. — 

Lard i pound. 

Rosin X 

Eggs, white of 2 

Heat the lard and rosin and when nearly 
cold add the eggs. 

D. TerBush, Feritoti, Michigan, R. P. D. <f. 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 705 



REMEDIES FOR CATTLE 



TO KEEP CATTLE IN HEALTH.— Give i heaping 
tablespoonful of leaf tobacco once a week in wheat bran. 

Robert E. Chambers, Spencer, Indiana, R. F. D. i. 

COW POWDER. — The following is a very good cow 

tonic: 

Saltpeter i part. 

Copperas 3 parts. 

Rosin 4 " 

Sulphur 5 " 

Wood Soot 6 " 

Mix thoroughly and give i tablespoonful a 
day. 
Hiram Graham, Franklin, Pennsylvania, R. F. D. i. 

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.— When a cow 

or steer gets sick and begins to lose flesh, examine the tail, and if 
at the end of the tail bone it seems hollow or flabby, split the 
hollow and fill with common salt, then wrap with a rag saturated 
with Turpentine. This will be all the attention necessary. 

If sick from overeating or eating frozen corn or damaged 
food, give one quart Castor Oil. 

W. A. Langford, Richmond, Kentucky. 

SUGGESTION FOR CARE OF.— I think cattle do best 
when turned out and have as many different kinds of rough feed 
as it is handy to give them. Keep the consumptives out of your 
cattle, also the lump jaws. 

5". W. Powell, Polo, Illinois. 

ABORTION, TO PREVENT.— Take i ounce of pure 
Carbolic Acid and mix thoroughly with i gallon of salt. For 
fifteen cows feed this amount every four weeks; for a less number, 
feed in proportion. 

For Contagious Abortion separate each cow that has 
aborted from the herd and treat in the following manner: Give 
each cow 10 drops of pure Carbolic Acid diluted in 3 pints of water 

46 



7o6 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

sprinkled in ground feed, a day for two weeks; then skip a week, 
then repeat the treatment for two weeks again, continuing this 
for two months and gradually increasing the dose to 14 drops. 

Also obtain a bottle of Lysol, and for each cow take i ounce 
of Lysol to 3 quarts lukewarm water, mix thoroughly and inject 
the solution with a syringe ( ^ pint metal is the best) into the 
vagina of each, three times a week for three months. 

T. M. Scott, Winterset, Iowa, R. F. D. i. 

{Breeder of Aherdeen An^^us CaMe.) 

AFTERBIRTH, TO REMOVE— WHEN COW 
STRAINS HARD. — Fasten animal between two planks or walls 
to prevent jumping sideways and tie up short. Enter vagina with 
oiled hand, follow afterbirth carefully into womb and loosen same 
along the walls of the latter. 

Where cow does not strain hard, give i quart Linseed Oil 2 
to 3 times a day and afterbirth will come loose in a short time. 

Ernest Heine, Ellendale, North Dakota. 

Afterbirth, Retention of the. — To a cow that does not clean 
herself after calving I give a tablespoonful of Saltpeter three times 
a day. This is a certain cure. 

/. M. Hume, Williamstown, Kenimky. 

BLACK LEG, TO PREVENT.— I have for many years 
used the following remedy as a preventive of Black Leg among 
young cattle, and when I have used it regularly have never had 
a case of the disease. I am confident that it is a preventive if 
used for two or three weeks before the disease would naturally 
attack the calf, but will not cure if the animal has already been 
attacked. 

Sulphur 10 pounds. 

Copperas 6 " 

Saltpeter 3 " 

Lime, air-slacked 3 " 

Pulverize and mix and use in the salt trough 
in the proportion of one to four, or not to ex- 
ceed one to three. 

J. P. Steele, Winterset, Iowa. 



PRACTICAI. RECIPES FROM FARMERS 707 

2. Black Leg, to Prevent.— 

Copperas i pound. 

Saltpeter i " 

I/ime, air-slacked i " 

Sulphur 2 pounds. 

Ashes, from.hard wood 3 " 

Mix with 20 pounds of common salt and use 
same as common salt, keeping it before the 
cattle all the time. 

In thirty years' use I have never had a case of Black Leg. 
h/ui Schoenberger, East Pefu, Iowa. 

3. Black Leg.— Put small teacupful of salts and J^ teacup- 
ful of common salt into a quart of water. Shake until thoroughly 
dissolved and give to animal as soon as found. Repeat in about 
four or five hours. If animal is still alive in the morning, give 
twice a day for two days. 

It is a common belief among people that there is no help for 
an animal that has an attack of Black Leg, and perhaps that is 
so. I have lost a good many cattle by this disease, and never 
had one recover after it was attacked until I used the above 
simple remedy. I have saved about fifty per cent, since using it. 

G. D. Foster, Kingfisher, Oklahoma. 

BLOATING. — Use trocar if possible. If same is not at 
hand, use small-bladed knife and tap the paunch half way be- 
tween the last rib and the hip bone. Enter an open goose quill 
or clean pipe stem into cut and let gas escape. When down to 
usual size, remove quill, apply a salve of Turpentine and lard 
(equal parts) to wound and leave alone. 

Ernest Heine, Ellendale, North Dakota. 

2. Bloating. — When cattle are sick and bloat, give Cam- 
phor, 2 tablespoonfuls to a dose, mixed with water about i pint. 
Dose may be repeated in half hour if necessary. Seldom have to 
give more than two doses. Relieves at once. 

Harmon Rossman, Lakeview, Michigan. 

3. Bloating, or Colic— One quart buttermilk, i tablespoon- 
ful soda. Put soda in when ready to drench. Shake the bottle, 
pull the cork and drench at once. 

Robert E. Cha7nbers, Spe^icer, Indiana, R. E. D. i. 



7o8 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

4. Bloating. — Either tie the animal up or get it into some 
enclosure where it cannot get away from you and pour cold water 
on back or sides, where bloat is shown. Continue this pouring 
of water for fifteen or twenty minutes if need be. I have had a 
good many cases of bloating and never failed with this remedy 
but once; then I used a trocar. 

Tilman Wilkin, Spe?icerville , Ohio. 

5. Bloating. — 

Sal Ammoniac i drachm. 

Whiskey % pint. 

Water i pint. 

Give as one dose. If not relieved in half an 
hour, repeat the dose. 

Bmtley Jost, Alma, Wisconsin. 

6. Bloating in Cattle. — Take a round piece of wood about 
25^ to 3 inches in diameter, and 12 inches in length. Put as a 
gag crosswise in the animal's mouth; make fast and leave until 
the gases escape. 

Isaac Salkeld, Goderich, Huron Co., Ontario. 

7. Bloating. — Give ^ pint common beans, uncooked. Of 
course the animal will not eat them and they have to be forced 
down the throat. 

This remedy was given me by an old physician one day when 
calling at my home. Shortly after I had an animal with a bad 
case of bloat and tried the above with perfect success, complete 
relief being had in fifteen minutes. 

A. B. Dickerson, Lakeview, Michiga7i. 

8. Bloating. — I^ast week one of my cows got the bloat — 
ate too many cold (not frozen) pumpkins. Breathed so hard 
could be heard rods away. I took 2 ^ ounces of baking soda and 
mixed it into a ball with wheat flour and a little water, put it 
down her throat, and in two hours she was over it and eating hay. 

D. F. Pike, Lisbon, Ohio. 



PRACTICAIv RECIPES FROM FARMERS 709 

9. Bloating. — For bloating in cattle I give: 

Common Soda 4015 tablespoonf uls . 

Ginger i tablespoon ful. 

I also put a wooden gag with a hole in the middle of it in the 
beast's mouth and leave it in for half an hour. If the bloating 
does not subside, I remove the gag and give the following: 

Spirits Turpentine 2 ounces. 

Common Soda 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Raw Linseed Oil I pint. 

Mix and give as a drench, and replace the 
gag again, repeating remedy every three hours. 

If the case is very bad, I puncture and let off the gas. If 
cattle bloat from eating too much grain, treat them the same, only 
do not let them have water to drink for twenty hours. 

Geo. Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe, Co., Ontario. 

10. Bloating, Clover. — Stand the beast with front feet on 
higher ground than hind feet. Also tie stick in mouth and run 
the animal. 

To prevent trouble, keep salt before cattle at all times and 
have plenty of good fresh water. 

W. R. Sed berry, Pitts field, Illinois. 

CAKED UDDER.— When cow calves and her udder be- 
comes caked, the following is a very quick and sure remedy: 
Equal parts of mutton tallow, beeswax and rosin. Melt together 
and add a little Currier's Oil to make it spread on the udder 

better. 

Harmon Rossma?i, Lakeview, Michigan. 

2. Caked Udder. — Rub well with Flaxseed Oil or hog's 

lard. 

John P. Woodard, New Comerstow7i , Ohio. 

3. Caked Udder. — First give i}^ pounds Epsom Salts, then 
hand rub and bathe the udder with hot soapsuds. 

Thos. Newbggins, Atwood, Ontario, Canada. 

CHOKING. — If the apple, or whatever it is, cannot be 
worked up and out, take a piece of rubber hose and push it 
down. Never take a whip stock or broom handle. 

D. F. Pike, Lisbon, Ohio. 



7IO THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

2. Choking. — For a choke, use a piece of gum hose to dis- 
lodge the obstruction. 

W. A. Langford, Richmond, Kentucky. 

3. Choking. — If the obstruction can be felt from the out- 
side, try to work it down with the hands, first putting a Httle 
lyinseed or other oil down the throat. If this fails take a com- 
mon buggy whip, wrap a little soft cloth around the butt end, and 
after securely tying it on raise the nose to a level with the body, 
put the butt end of the whip down the throat until the obstruct- 
ion is reached and gently force it into the stomach. A clevis 
put crosswise in the mouth will hold it open. 

C. B. Keys, Richland Center, Wisconsin. 

4. Choking.— For apple in the throat take the cow by the 
nose, open the mouth and break one ^"g^, shell and all, into the 
mouth, and the apple will come out. 

I have tried this several times. 

D. C. Cook, Cazenovia, New York. 

5. Choking.— Pour down the throat ^ pint of lard, or ^ 
pint of soft soap reduced with warm water, or the white of four 

eggs. 

John P. Woodard, New Comerstown, Ohio. 

6. Choking, Sure Cure. — Take fine cut chewing tobacco, the 
stronger the better, enough to make a ball the size of a hen's &g<g, 
dampen it with molasses or any similar substance so that it will 
adhere closely, raise the animal's head, pull out the tongue and 
put the ball down the throat as far as possible. In a short time it 
will cause sickness and vomiting, which relaxes the muscles so 
that whatever is choking the animal will he thrown up. If any 
person thinks this will not work, just let him try it on himself, 
especially one who is not used to tobacco, and see how quickly it 
will work. It is a simple, sensible and positive remedy. 

Fred. M. Warner. 

COLIC. — See remedy for Colic in horses given by Geo. M. 
Wilder, Marysville, Ohio. 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 



ir 



2. Colic. — Cattle as a rule do not need much doctoring if 
properly fed and cared for. One remedy for Colic that I like very 
much is the following: 

Whiskey ^ pint. 

Black Pepper l tablespoonful. 

Ginger i " 

Mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as 
a drench. 

If the animal does not get relief, follow up in an hour with 
another like dose. The danger of this disease is that it may ter- 
minate in inflammation of the bowels. 

L. D. Arnold, Berge?i, N. Y. 

3. Colic. — For colic in cattle give the following: 

Spirits Turpentine i}i ounces. 

Raw Linseed Oil i pint. 

Mix and give as a drench every two hours 
until relieved. 

Another good remedy is : 

Black Pepper i tablespoonful. 

Whiskey }4 pint. 

Lukewarm Water i pint. 

Mix and give as a drench. If the beast is 
not better in two hours, add ten drops Fleming's 
tincture aconite to the turpentine-oil recipe, 
and give as a drench. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Sivicoe Co., Ontayio. 

CORNSTALK SICKNESS.— This is 'not a disease, 
but a sickness due to. the farmer's own fault. He turns cattle 
that have been running in pasture, and perhaps half starved, into 
a stalk field, and they fill up with dry feed until the stomach be- 
comes impact. Let them into the stalks by degrees and see that 
they have plenty of water and some soft feed and there will be no 
trouble. I have seen more cattle lost by this sickness than by all 
other diseases put together. 

/. W. Higgs, Silver Leaf, North Dakota. 

2. Cornstalk Sickness. — There is no cure for this when 
once the animal has it, but there is a preventive that has never 
failed for me when I have followed it. Feed the cattle all the 



712 THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

corn fodder with the corn on, or if there is no fodder, feed them 
all the corn they will eat for two weeks before turning them into 
the cornfield. Since following this plan I have never lost a head, 
but before I found it out I always lost several head, 

Joseph Hynek, Wilber, Nebraska. 

3. Cornstalk Sickness, or Impaction. — A strong infusion 
of Tansy given in frequent doses of a pint or more at a dose will 
bring about the desired effect if persisted in. I have never known 
this simple remedy to fail in a case of impaction when the treat- 
ment was thorough. 

A. L. Stutzman, New Sharon, Iowa. 

EYES, SORE. — Feed soft feed for 24 hours, and purge with 
Epsom Salts, i to i J^ pounds. Give J^ to ^ amount for a calf. 
Keep in a partly darkened stable and bathe the eyes 3 times a day 
with lukewarm water, and after bathing put a few drops of the 
following lotion into each eye: 

Sulphate of Atropia 4 grains. 

Water 2 ounces. 

J. Kearns, Palmersto7i, 0?ttario, Canada. 

FEET, SORE. — First clean the foot well by drawing a 
rope through between the hoof, then apply the following remedy: 

Linseed Oil 2 parts. 

Lard 2 " 

Carbolic Acid i part. 

Mix thoroughly and apply. 

Gurley Taylor, Boonville, Indiana. 

2. Feet, Sore. — Sore feet, particularly in cattle that are 
being fitted for show purposes, can be cured as follows: 

Tie the animal up short to a good strong post. Insert a 
small round post between the hind legs, and with a man at each 
end of the post to lift, the foot can be raised from the ground and 
the hoof paired with a strong, sharp knife. Then dissolve 8 
ounces Blue Vitriol in i quart warm water and wash the foot. 
This will take three men — one at each end of the pole and one 
to pare the hoof. 
Geo. E. 3fcEathro7i, Tepeeotah Stock Farm, Huro7i, South Dakota* 



PRACTICAI. RECIPES FROM FARMERS 713 

FOUL FOOT IN CATTLE.— Caused by filth, or injury 
and filth, and prevents growth of animal until cured. 

Tie the animal, stretch the leg back, clean between the hoof 
by running wet rag back and forth, and apply finely pulverized 
Blue Vitriol. W. W. /Reynolds, Utka, Ohio. ■ 

FOOT EVIL. — Can be cured in its early stages by apply- 
ing Spirits of Turpentine from one to three times freely to the 
affected parts. W. R. Jewell, Alkires Mills, West Virginia. 

2. Foot Evil. — A sure cure for the disease. Thoroughly 
pulverize 4 ounces of Blue Vitriol, add 4 ounces of Calomel, then 
I ounce of Borax. Apply with swab twice a week until a cure is 
effected. Chas. E. Haynes, Hillsboro, Ohio. 

3. Foot Evil. — Use Butter of Antimony or Oil of Vitriol. 

Whichever is used, apply it directly to the part affected. If the 
burn causes too much soreness, apply lard or some soft oil to cause 
it to heal. If the first application does not effect a cure, repeat 
in about ten days. W. S. Starcher, Berlin, West Virginia. 

GARGET. — Give 10 drops Tincture of Iodine in feed once 
a day until cured. Have found this a positive cure. 

D. Tej'Bush, Fento7i, Michiga?i, R. F. D. 4.. 

HOLLOW HORN.— See Milk Fever or Hollow 
Horn, given hy John D. Allen, Worthingto7i, Indiana. 

2. Hollow Horn, or Indigestion. — Give % pound Glauber 
Salts every third day until cured. 

W. S. Starcher, Berlin, West Virginia. 

HORN DISTEMPER. — The following is a German 
remedy and one which I have found to be very successful. 

Salt 3 tablespoonfuls. 

Black Pepper 3 " 

Ginger 3 

White Hen Manure 3 " 

Wood Soot 3 " 

Add three fresh eggs and mix with flour to 
make three pills. Give one pill three morn- 
ings in succession. 
Hiram Graham, Franklin, Pennsylvania, R. F. D. g. 



714 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

HORNS ON CALVES, TO KILL. — As soon as the 
horn appears, clip off the hair around the button and rub with 
Caustic Potash until the horn becomes red and inflamed. 

D. TerBush, Fe7iio7i, Michiga?!, R. F. D. /. 

INDIGESTION. — See Hollow Horn or Indigestion, 
given by W. S. Starcher, Berlin, West Virginia. 

2. Indigestion in Dairy Cows. — I keep a herd of Jersey 
cows, and find this the best cure for indigestion: Take from i to 
i}^ pounds Epsom salts — according to size of cow— and two 
tablespoonfuls ginger. Mix with one-half gallon of water and 
give as a drench at one dose. 

Ginger — one tablespoonful in feed once or twice a day — is 
almost a sure preventive of indigestion. 

James W. Ross, Fairmont, West Virginia, R. F. D. j. 

LICE ON CATTLE.— Take what Calomel can be held on 
the end of a jacknife, or Yx teaspoonful, and deposit in the hollow 
at the back of the head. Lice are found mostly along the spine 
and they travel over the head to the nose for moisture. The 
Calomel destroys them, and at the same time is placed where the 
animal cannot lick it and become injured by it. 

C. B. Keys, Richland Center, Wisconsin. 

2. Lice. — Sprinkle wood ashes all over the animal. 

John P. Woodard, Neiu Comerstown, Ohio. 

3. Lice on Cattle. — Boil one-half bushel of potatoes in 

four gallons of water until the potatoes are nearly soft, then 

take the water the potatoes are boiled in and wash the cattle (on 

a warm day) from eyes to tail and half way down each side. 

Repeat in a week. 

D. F. Pike, Lisbon, Ohio. 

4. Lice. — To prevent cattle from getting lousy take: 

Common Salt 10 pounds. 

Sulphur 2 " 

Saltpeter ^ pound. 

Mix and put in a box where cattle can have 
access to it at all times and you will have no 
lice on them. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 715 



LUMP JAW. — A local ailment peculiar to head and upper 
part of neck only. Caused by the introduction of a vegetable 
parasitic spore into the tissue or at the surface of bone or tooth, 
the multiplication of which irritates. Ailment shows at first by 
a small lump, which, if let alone, grows for months or years, 
causing death from pain and emaciation. If in the bone, it honey- 
combs it full of pus; if in the tissue, there is a pocket of it. In 
either case it finally breaks, but never works its own cure. If 
the germs are not destroyed or removed, the animal dies a linger- 
ing death. There is small chance for destruction or removal 
except during the early stage. 

Treatment. — A destruction of the germs is very probable by 
a daily drench of one drachm of Iodide of Potassium in a pint of 
water for about ten days more or less. The animal will thrive 
all right, but he must be watched and the medicine discontinued 
when his nose inflames to interfere with breathing. Then after 
a few days rest, repeat again. The two efforts are almost certain 
in early stages, and even in advanced stages it will retard and 
sometimes cure. 

A removal of the germs by the knife from tissue and by the 
chisel from bone is positively certain and the best means to 
adopt. 

There is no reason except ignorance or carelessness why any 
Steer should die from Lump Jaw. 

W. W. Reynolds, Utica, Ohio. 

2. Lump Jaw. — Cut the enlarged place open and insert all 
the air-slacked lime you can get into the incision. This will eat 
out all impurities. W. R. Sedberry, Pittsfield, Illhiois. 

3. Lump Jaw. — Cut lump open and cleanse with a strong 
solution of Carbolic Acid and water, than inject one-half ounce 
Tincture of Iodine. 

Another treatment for severe cases or where lump is a hard 
bony growth: For a 1,000 pound animal give one-half drachm 
Iodide of Potash once a day for four days, then twice a day for 
four days, then once a day for four days. Rest one week and 
repeat treatment. Keep animal in barn and give in drinking 
water. These two treatments are entirely distinct and separate 
from each other. A. L. Fox, New Sharon, Iowa. 



7i6 THK PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

4. Lump Jaw. — ^When the lump first makes its appearance 
bathe it frequently with Kerosene or Coal Oil; if broken or a 
sore, use one-third Iodine and two-thirds Kerosene or Coal Oil. 
F. M. Brow7t, Kiel, Kingfisher Co., Oklahoma. 

MILK FEVER. — The following is the only remedy I have 
ever known to cure this dreaded disease. I have seen it used 
with success after a cow was down and, as I supposed, beyond 
help. While it is best always to give treatment at earliest pos- 
sible moment, I would trj^ it even in later stages of disease. 

No. I. — Epsom Salts ij!^ pounds. 

Ginger, powdered i ounce. 

Mix together, dissolve in lukewarm water 
and give in one dose. 

No. 2. — Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia... 10 ounces. 

Spirits of Nitrous Ether 20 " 

Mix together, and immediately after giving 
No. I begin with No. 2 by giving three ounces 
of the mixture in a pint of cold water every 
half hour until five duses are given; then every 
hour until the thirty ounces have been given. 

No. 3. — Mix one pound of ground Mustard with 
hot water and rulD in well along the 
back from hips forward. 

Keep cow well blanketed. 

Joh7i Sha7ikland, Brookly7i, Ohio. 

Note. — While teaching district school near Cleveland, Ohio, several 
years ago, the farmer with whom I was boarding had a cow show symptoms 
of milk fever. I drove several miles to a drug store, secured the above 
medicines and returned in time to save the cow. The animal was down and 
we supposed it was too late. It meant at least $50 to the owner, and I con- 
sider the recipe worth more than that to every owner of cattle. 

Geo. Foote, Detroit, Michigan. 

2. Milk Fever. — Place cow in a dry, warm stall with plenty 

of bedding. Give injections of warm soapsuds in rectum to start 

passage. Give twice a day the following: 

Linseed Oil i quart. 

Camphor Gum 2 ounces. 

Glauber Salts 2 " 

Rub small of back and udder with the 
following: 

Spirits of Turpentine i pint. 

Camphor Gum 4 ounces. 

Lard 4 " 

Milk every hour until relieved. 

Ernest Hei7ie, Elendale, North Dakota. 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 717 

MILK FEVER, OR HOLLOW HORN.— Clean out 

womb good by inserting hand well greased. Put >^ pint of raw 
Linseed Oil into the womb. Apply Turpentine over small of 
back or kidneys and small amount on neck back of head. Also 
give the following: 

EpsomSalts i pound. 

Lard (wanned) i quart. 

. Ginger (pulverized) i ounce. 

Mix well with warm water and use as a 
drench. 

The above is infallible. Have been using it for fifteen years 

and haven't lost a cow. 

Joh7i D. Allen, lVortkingto7i, Indiana. 

MILK FEVER PREVENTIVE.— When I dry off my 
cows I stop all grain feed. I feed for roughage, ensilage in re- 
duced quantity, hay and stover, until about two weeks before 
time to freshen, I begin to feed some bran, about two or three 
quarts per day, and give as much Glauber Salts every four or five 
days until she freshens as a man can hold in his hand by taking 
it real full. If cow has not had any Salts for four or five days, 
give immediately after calf is dropped, which I usually give in 
water, if cow is thirsty, when I take water to her. I take Salts 
with me and try her with the water, and if she seems thirsty I 
stir the Salts into the water and nine times out of ten she will 
drink it. If she seems to be a little chilly, give 2 ounces of 
Ginger. In no case give a cow more than 2 gallons of water at 
one time, and warmed a little if it be cold. Repeat at intervals 
of an hour or so until thirst is slacked. If the cow does not eat 
Salts in her food, dissolve and pour down from a long-necked 
bottle. 

My experience is that milk fever is due to carelessness more 
than anything else. I have 50 cows and have not had a case in 
nearly three years, and only four cases in the twenty-three years 
I have kept cows. 

D. JF. Diener , Btookville, Pe7insylvania . 

2. Milk Fever Preventive. — As I have been in the dairy 
business for fourteen years, I might give you my experience 
with Milk. Fever. We had some trouble at first with our best 



7i8 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

cows, and lost some of them. The Schmidt treatment (see 
this treatment in CattlK DisEASKS in body of book) was our 
best remedy, but we have found prevention better than cure. 

As there is almost no danger with a heifer the first or second 
calf, we feed them well when coming near their time, but after 
the second we are more careful, and still more so as they mature. 
If they are heavy milkers and in good flesh, we feed sparingly 
for two weeks before coming in — not more than half ration — and 
nothing but water in small quantities for twenty-four hours after 
coming in. If they appear all right the second day, we feed a 
little hay — less than half a feed — and gradually increase. 

Since we have learned by hard experience to practice this 
thoroughly we have not had one case of Milk Fever. If cows 
are in good flesh this treatment will do them good, even if there 
might not be any danger of Milk Fever. 

Joseph Meig/i€7i^ St. Marys, Ontario, Canada, 

RINGWORM. — Usually starts around the eyes and spreads 
diack. Take a blunt knife and scrape off crust on sore, then apply 
a little Tincture of Iodine with a feather. If first application 
does not cure, apply again in one week. 

Walter WhitHeld, Sr., Poritiac, Michigan, R. F. D. 6. 

SCOUR IN CATTLE, HORSES, CALVES, AND 
CHOLERA OR DIARRHEA IN PERSONS.— Frequently 
a handful of salt will relieve horses and cattle from scour, but if 
this does not afford relief in twelve hours, I have recourse to a 
remedy for the above disease that has never failed me. I use 
Spirits of Camphor, Tincture of Rhubarb and I^audanum, equal 
parts of each. Mix thoroughly. For a horse or cow, give a 
dessertspoonful; for a calf, a teaspoonful. If not relieved in 
three hours, repeat the dose. For grown persons I use 30 drops; 
for a child, 8 or 10 drops. For persons, give in a little sweetened 
water; for stock, in half a pint of warm water. I have known 
many of the worst cases of diarrhea in children to be cured in a 
very short time from using this remedy, and I consider it one of 
the most valuable recipes I have ever come across. 

M. E. Wees, West Superio, , Wisconsin. 



PRACTICAIv RECIPES FROM FARMERS 719 

2. Scour in Young- Cattle or Calves. — For calf tinder 
three months of age, give i tablespoonful of Castor Oil twice a 
day; for older ones, increase the dose according to size. 

Another remedy for the same: Take equal parts of Ginger, 
pulverized charcoal and common baking powder, mix weU to- 
gether and give i teaspoonful twice a day. Pull out tongue and 
throw powder on back part and they will swallow it, or give it 
by way of drench. 

I have found the above to be good remedies. 

Tilman Wilkin, Spencerville ^ Okio, 

3. Scours in Calves. — Put one teacupful raw flour in the 
milk given the calf, twice a day, until cured. If the calf is in 
pain give: Tincture of Eaudanum, i teaspoonful. Raw Linseed 
Oil, 2 ounces, two hours after first dose is given. 

George Carnpbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 

4. White Scour in Calves. — Give 30 drops of Eaudanurf 
in I tablespoonful of Castor Oil three times a day until well. 

I have found this to be one of the best recipes I ever used. 
Never lost but one calf. 

William Wales, Osborne, Kansas. 

5. Scour in Calves or Lambs. — 

Tincture of Catechu 6 ounces. 

Prepared Chalk, powdered 3 drachms. 

Laudanum i ounce. 

Dilute in Alcohol to make one pint, shake 
well and give as follows : To calf, one table- 
spoonful every four hours; to lamb, one-half 
teaspoonful every five hours. 

A, L, Fox, New Sharon, lo^^a. 



■20 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



REMEDIES FOR SHEEP 



TO KEEP SHEEP HEALTHY.— Give i teaspoonful 
of leaf tobacco in wheat bran once a week^ and plenty of salt, and 
sheep will always be healthy. 

If sick, give Y^ teaspoonful of Turpentine and i tablespoon- 
ful of sorghum molasses well mixed. Give morning and evening 
until the sheep will eat its food. 

Have used the above for twenty-five years. 

Robert E. Chambers, Spencer, Indiana. 

SHEEP POWDER FOR APPETITE.— 

Sulphate of Iron 2 ounces. 

Ginger 8 " 

Fenugreek 8 '• 

Gentian 4 " 

Mix the above with 2 gallons oil cake and 
feed I pint daily, mixed with i peck com and 
oats. 
Joseph H. Reed, Cayionsburg, Pennsylvatiia, R. F. D. 38, 

SHEEP, TO KEEP IN CONDITION.— Sheep do much 
better in small bunches of about fifty than they do in larger 
bunches. Plenty of salt and exercise are also needed for sheep. 

S. IV. Powell, Polo, Illinois. 

BLOATING.— 

Ginger i drachm. 

Baking Soda i " 

Spirits Ammonia (Aromatic) 2 drachms. 

Water i pint. 

Give as one dose, and if it does not have the desired effect, 
repeat in ^ to i hour, according to severity of the case. 

G. R. Padelfotd, Hastings, Michigan. 

CHOLERA, LAMB.— Sulphuric Ether given in i ounce 
doses mixed with twice the quantity of warm water or milk — 
dose repeated in fifteen minutes if not easier — will positively cure 
the so-called "Lamb Cholera" in young lambs if discovered be- 
fore they are too far gone. "Lamb Cholera" is nothing but 
colic produced by sickness or changes in the dam's milk. 

Geo. M. Wilber, Marysville, Ohio. 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 721 

COLIC, OR STRETCHES.— Give one draclim each of 
"Ginger and Soda in water as a drench; if this fails to relieve, 
repeat the dose in one hour and give four to six ounces of rav/ 
Linseed Oil. G. R. Padelford, Hastmgs, Michigan. 

2. Colic, or Stretches. — Let the shepherd take the sheep 
by the hind legs, with its back toward him, and raise it as high 
as his head three times. 

Isaac Salkeld, Goderich, Ontario, Canada. 

CONSTIPATION IN LAMBS, TO PREVENT.— After 

the ewe has dropped her lamb, take a pint of bran, add a table- 
spoonful of salt to it, and pour over the bran boiling water to 
make a soft mash; let it cool and when lukewarm give to the 
ewe. Repeat once a day for 2 or 3 days. 

George Campbelly Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 

FLUKE WORM.— See Ticks and Fluke Worm, given 
by W. A. Eastzvood, CJiesaning, Michigayi. 

FOOT ROT.— 

Strong brine (made with hot water) i quart. 
Sulphate of Copper (Blue Vitriol), 

powdered, add all that brine will 

cut, then add : 

Corrosive Sublimate X^ ounce. 

Turpentine >^ " 

Bottle for use. 

One application with a swab, if trimming of foot is tJioraiighly 
done, will effect a cure. However, the entire flock should be 
gone over once a week and the feet examined by using knife to 
see if any parts are still affected, and such examination continued 
until flock is known to be soiind. I have known this remedy to cure 
large flocks of sheep (including my own) when remedies costing 
$10.00 per pint had signally failed. But no medicine will cure 
Foot Rot without it finds its way to the parasite which causes it, 
and this can only be done by practice with the use of the knife. 

Thrush in Horses' Feet. — The above remedy will cure 
this disease equally as well and' should be used in the same 
manner. 

Ringworm. — It will also cure Ringworm in human flesh, 
or any parasitic affection anywhere. 

Geo. M. Wi/der, MarysvUle, Ohio. 

46 



722 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

2. Foot Rot. — Pour Turpentine freely into the afEected 
parts. Also mix Turpentine in feed, or in bran and salt, and let 
sheep have access to same. A quantity of Sulphur added will 
be of benefit both in sore mouth and sore foot. These seem 
to be kindred diseases of the blood. 

JV. R. Jewell, Alkires Mills, 11 est Virgi7iia. 

FOUNDER. — I have had four sheep foundered and saved 
three after they got puffed, and two of them stiff so as to prevent 
walking. Remedy: Give 2 tablespoonfuls of Castor Oil warmed, 
or 2 tablespoonfuls of Linseed Oil, and inject the lower bowel full 
of warm soapsuds. Repeat both the oil and the injection in two 
hours. I have tried both oils with success. 

Geo. H. Banta, Shelbyville, Kentucky, R. F. D. j. 

GADFLY, TO KEEP AWAY.— Rub pine tar on their 
noses. Keep it on through July and August. 

/o/i?i P. Woodard, New Co7nerstown, Ohio. 

GRUB IN THE HEAD.— Confine sheep in tight stall or 
pen, place large canvas over pen, then fumigate by burning 
Sulphur in iron pot. Keep them in until they cough violently. 

W. R. Sedberry, Pitts field, lUiyiois. 

2. Grub in the Head.— Pour into each nostril one-half tea- 
spoonful of Kerosene Oil. 

lohji P. Woodard, New Comerstown, Ohio. 

LOSS OF APPETITE. — See Staggers or Loss of 
Appetite, given by W. S. Starcher, Berlin, West Virginia. 

MOUTH, SORE.— Hold the sheep's head firmly between 
the knees, letting it occupy same position as is natural when 
sheep is standing, and pour Turpentine down over nose and mouth. 
Also mix a quantity of Turpentine with wheat bran, to which 
add salt, and feed to the entire flock. 

W, R. Jewell, Alkires Mills, West Virs'inia. 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 723 



PILES. — Apply clamp and burn off protruding part with a 
knife-shaped iron which has been heated to a white heat. Then 
apply Boracic Acid twice a day. 

D. TerBtish, Fenton, Michigan, R. F. D. 4. 

PNEUMONIA OR INFLAMMATION OF THE 
LUNGS- — Give two to four grains of Quinine in one-half ounce 
of whiskey every six hours. In one hour after giving the 
Quinine give: 

Saltpeter 2 grains. 

Aconite i to 3 drops. 

Drop the Aconite on the Saltpeter, and put the mixture on 
the tongue; repeating remedy every four hours until the fever is 
gone. If the case is very bad, repeat a little oftener. 

I never gave this to swine, but should think it would be 
equally as good for them as for sheep. 

G. R. Padelford, Hastings, Michigan. 

ROT. — For my sheep I use two-thirds salt and one-third 
Epsom Salts. I usually keep it lying by them. 

I make a dip by boiling tobacco until it is very strong. To 
every 100 gallons of the juice I add one gallon Carbolic Acid and 
about twenty pounds of salt. I use a tank that will take a sheep 
or hog into it and put them under head and ears. My neighbors 
use a box and dip them back down, but I prefer having them on 
their feet as I drive them in and lower them out of sight. The 
dip should be well stirred so as to not have them swallow the 
Acid. 

I have used this same dip for hogs for ten years and have 
never had any cholera since. 

J. M. Hume, Williamstowyi, Kentucky. 

SCAB IN SHEEP.— Mix Wood Soot and Turpentine with 
their grain when feeding. 

John P. Woodard, New Comerstown, Ohio. 

STAGGERS, OR LOSS OF APPETITE.— Give i 

tablespoonful of Turpentine. The one dose is usually sufficient, 
but in severe cases a second dose might become necessary. 

W. S. Stare her, Berlin, West Virgi7iia. 



724 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



TICKS. — To prevent sheep from having ticks, give the 
salt, sulphur and saltpeter treatment as in cattle. This will pre- 
vent scab or any skin diseases and keep the sheep healthy. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Oyitario. 

2. Ticks and Fluke Worm. — Salt, Sulphur and Ashes, 
equal parts, to be kept where sheep can eat it at any time. 
It will keep them in good condition. 

W. A. Eastwood, Chesaning, Michigan, R. F. D. 2. 

WOMB, EVERSION OF.— I have had several sheep with 
womb come out which all died until I used the following treat- 
ment: Wash the womb gently in warm water and grease well 
with Sweet Oil or Castor Oil and put back. Then take a com- 
mon hog ringer and fasten one hog ring through the vagina so 
the womb cannot come out, and the sheep will fatten for market. 
I have not lost one since I used this treatment. 

George H. Banta, Shelbyville, Kentucky, R.F.D. j. 

WORMS. — Equal parts of Sulphate of Iron and Sulphate 
of Copper. 

Dose. — One drachm for four sheep. Feed in salt, or any way 
it can be fed best, once or twice a da3^ 

Harmon Rossma7i, Lakeview, Michigan. 

2. Worms in the Head of Sheep, to Prevent. — Put salt 
in a sharp-bottomed trough and spread tar on each side of the 
trough. When the sheep eat the salt they get the tar on the 
nose, and that keeps away the fly that lays the &%% which forms 
the worm in the head. 

Robert E. Chaynbers, Spence? , hidiana. 

3. Worms. — Keep salt and Sulphur before them all the 

time in the proportion of one pound of Sulphur to ten pounds 

of salt. 

I. IV. Higgs, Silver Leaf, North Dakota. 

4. Worms, Ticks and Other Sheep Parasites. — Simple 
but effective. To be almost wholly exempt from sheep parasites, 
keep rock salt in pastures with a few drops of Turpentine put on 
salt occasionally. ^j^^^^ j, ^^^^^^^^ Hillsboro, Ohio. 



PRACTIC AIv RECIPES FROM FARMERS 725 

WORMS IN LAMBS.— Take one part Coal Tar Creosote 
to 99 parts water. After lambs have missed one feed, give as a 
drench two to four ounces of the mixture, according to size of 
lamb. Repeat in four or five days if first treatment does not 
prove effective. 

A. L, Fox, New Skaro?i, Iowa. 

2. Worms, Stomach, in Lambs. — Take Gasoline one 
part to fresh milk four parts and give one tablespoonful twice a 
day for two days, or until they arfe better. 

The following also I find very good: Creosote of Tar one 
part to water fifteen parts. One tablespoonful once a day for 
two days. 

There is no disease that stock is subject to that causes 
greater loss than stomach worms in lambs. 

/. W. Higgs, Silver Leaf, North Dakota. 



REMEDIES FOR SWINE 



HOGS, TO KEEP IN CONDITION.— I have been rais- 
ing and feeding hogs for twenty-eight years and have made hog 
raising a close study. At first I had a good many failures. After 
trying all the paper remedies on hog ailments, I find if a hog gets 
seriously sick you might as well kill it at once, for if it does not 
die it will never be thrifty, and is useless as a feeder or producer. 
I have for the last several years been very successful, and now 
have no fears of disease among my hogs. My theory is, prevetit 
instead of cure. My care and treatment is simple and inexpensive, 
and is as follows: 

Keep the lice off, which can be done with a mixture of coal 
oil and lard, about equal parts, sprinkled on the hogs about once 
every thirty days if necessary. Sometimes it is not necessary 
oftener than every two, three, or four months, but at any rate it 
is necessary in order to have healthy hogs to keep them free 
from lice. 



726 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

The next important thing is to keep their digestion in order. 
This is easily done by keeping plenty of coal cinders where they 
can have free access to them. 

With these rules strictly adhered to in this latitude, the hog 
raiser need have no fears. 

J. F. Ware, Danville, Kentucky. 

2. Hogs, to Keep in Condition. — I keep air-slaked lime 
and salt, equal parts, in a trough in the lot. I think it a good 
conditioner and disinfectant. 

James B. Wehrma?i, Nelson, Nebraska. 

3. Hogs, To Keep in Condition. — In summer a good run 
to grass and plenty of water. 

In winter feed Sulphur, soft coal siftings, clover hay and 
bran. Do not feed swine of any kind very long on clear corn or 
corn meal. Milk is always good. My method of feed in winter 
is as follows: 

To a 150 to 200 pound shote give a heaping tablespoonful of 
Sulphur at a time in some kind of ground feed, one in the 
morning and one in the evening, for a week. Skip a week and 
give for three or four days, after which give none for about three 
weeks. Soft coal siftings or charcoal should be fed between 
meals every alternate day — that is, every other day while the 
hogs are in confinement and cannot root in the ground — from a 
half pint to a pint each, according to size of hog. They will eat 
the coal very readily without mixing anything with it. I feed in 
the trough the same as I do other feed. If clover hay is handy, 
feed every other day in place of coal, or one day with hay and 
one day with coal. ^ ^ ^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^ y^^j^^ 

4. Hogs, To Keep in Condition. — I feed my hogs all the 
salt and ashes, mixed, that they care to have. It may be put in 
boxes or in heaps on the ground. I also give them a little 
Turpentine — about i tablespoonful to a pail of swill. Let them 
run out where they can have plenty of exercise, and also keep 



PRACTICAI. RECIPES FROM FARMERS 727 

them from piling up on one another in their sleeping place. Give 
them all the green corn you wish. 

►S. W. Powell, Palo, Ogle Co., Illinois. 

[P. S. — You may state that one year I lost most of my hogs with cholera 
(about 80 head). All that I had except 12, which latter had a habit of 
getting through the wire fence and eating all the green corn they wanted. 
For this reason I think green com is good food. — 6". IV . P.'] 

5. Hogs, To Keep in Condition. — Salt and ashes fed once 
a week, keep my hogs from getting sick. Never had any sick 

^"^^' F. M. Brown, Kiel, Kingfisher Co., Oklahoma. 

TO KEEP SWINE IN HEALTH.— As I never have 
any sick hogs I cannot give any remedies, but will say that my 
hogs always have free access to all the soft coal they want, and 
it will surprise anyone who has not fed it to see how much they 
will consume. Also a box of salt and ashes, mixed, placed where 
they can eat it is a preventive of worms, which are very detri- 
mental to the health of hogs. 

W.A. Eastwood, C/iesani?ig, Michigan, R. F.D. 2. 

2. To Keep Swine in Health.— Give them all the charcoal 
they want and they will always be healthy. 

One teaspoonful of leaf tobacco twice a week to each hog 
and you will not have any sick hogs. 

Robert E. Chambers, Spe?icer, hidiana, R. F. D. i. 

SHOTES IN POOR CONDITION.— Wash and scrub 

thoroughly in very strong soapsuds with a kitchen scrubbing 

brush, and pull or break out the black teeth. If lousy, mix 

lard and lamp oil and grease them. 

D. F. Pike, Lisbon, Ohio. 

PIGS, TROUBLES WITH SUCKING.— In this sec- 
tion of the country a great many farmers lost their little pigs the 
first week or two after they were farrowed, and I was called upon 
to investigate for the cause. I found that the sows were fed on 
strong food, such as barley meal, pea meal and the like, causing 
the milk to be too strong, and producing indigestion in the little 
pigs. 



728 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

To prevent this trouble the sows should be fed lightly for a 
week or two after farrowing with equal parts bran and middlings 
or shorts, pouring over the mixture boiling water so as to cook 
it. Add I tablespoonful of Sulphur once a day. This will also 
prevent what we call "cancer of the tail." If you notice little 
pigs, you will see that they get sore at the root of the tail, the sore 
taking the form of a ring at the root of the tail, which later drops 
off. 

To prevent the tail dropping off and to heal the sore take; 

Sweet Oil 30 drops. 

Carbolic Acid i drop. 

3fix and apply to the sore spot. 

Another new disease in this section is that the pigs will get 

sore back of the ears; a yellow discharge will come from sores, 

and it has a very bad odor. To cure this, apply coal oil (kerosene) 

to the affected part and give the hog a tablespoonful of sulphur 

once a day. 

George Campbell, Gilchrist, Simcoe Co., Ontario. 

I give two remedies which I have found to be most valuable 
to me in my swine raising, one below and one under "Pneu- 
monia." 

BACK, WEAK. — For the past two years in this locality 
young pigs (perhaps 20 per cent, of the total number), show a 
weakness in the back. For instance, they may be standing still, 
then suddenly give down in the back until the belly touches the 
ground; or they may be walking and suddenly duck as though 
going under a low fence. I have consulted many veterinarians, 
and thus far have not been able to find one who can classify the 
disease. It is never fatal so far as I know. It affects pigs of 
from six weeks to four months old. 

Use Spirits of Turpentine, about i teaspoonful, pouring it 
along the back. Usually one application is sufficient, but a 
second, or possibly a third, may be necessary. It is an absolute 

^^^^- H. T. Morgan, Mt. Morris, Michigan. 

BLIND STAGGERS, OR RUN-AROUND.— Pour one 

tablespoonful of lyinseed Oil into each ear. 

J. M. Hume, Williamstown , Keyitucky, 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 729 

CHOLERA, TO PREVENT.— Hog raising is my forte, 
but I use no medicines or stock fodder with the exception of 
Radway's Scientific Discovery, which is a preventive of Cholera. 
My hogs seem perfectly healthy — no cough or disease of any 

^^^^- John L. Babcock, Neligh, Nebraska. 

2. Cholera. — Some years ago I had a severe attack of Hog 
Cholera among my hogs. I used the following, with the result 
that I lost only one hog after commencing its use, although I had 
a number at the time which could not stand up, and they had 
previously been dying at the rate of two or three a day. 

Lime, unslaked 2 pounds. 

Sal-Soda... i pound. 

Tar yi " 

Antimony Yz " 

Sulphur yi " 

Poke Root (ground and pulverized). 6 ounces. 
May Apple Root " " . 6 " 

Asafetida 6 " 

Saltpeter 6 " 

Put the Lime, Poke Root and May Apple Root into 4 gallons 
of water when boiling and stir well; then put the balance of the 
ingredients in when cool and stir well again; then put the whole 
into a barrel of swill or mash. In a severe attack, such as I had, 
I double the strength by taking twice as much of each. When I 
commenced using it many of my hogs could not eat mash, and 
we gave it to them as a drink. I have since given the recipe to 
others, who have tried it with success. 

The above can also be used as a preventive by giving one 
pailful once a week to eight hogs, or say a quart to a hog. 

E. A. Wallace, Winaniac, Indiana. 

3. Cholera. — An exchange says that every paper in the 
state should publish the fact that burnt corn is a sure cure for 
Hog Cholera, and adds: "It was first discovered by a distillery 
in Peoria, 111. It was thrown to the hogs to be eaten by them. 
Before that time a number had been dying each day with cholera, 
but the disease disappeared immediately." It is so simple a 
remedy that it can easily be tried. 

Harmon Rossfna?i, Lakeview, Michigan. 



730 THE PRACTICAI^ STOCK DOCTOR 

4. Cholera. — 

Arsenic ^ pound. 

Cape Aloes ]/i " 

Blue Vitriol ^ 

Black Antimony I ounce. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful 3 times a day, every 
other day, to a hog of ico pounds weight. 

Bartley Jost, Alma, Btiffalo Co., Wisconsin. 

5. Cholera. — As a preventive, mix in the proportion of 2 
quarts charcoal to i handful salt. Leave it where the hogs can 
have free access to it. Do this 3 or 4 times a week. 

D. TerBush, Fenton, Michigan. 

6. Cholera. — I recommend the following not only as a pre- 
ventive but as a cure for this scourge of swine: 

Sulphur I pound. 

Saltpeter, pulverized i " 

Madder, pulverized i " 

Black Antimony, pulverized Yz " 

Asafetida 2 ounces. 

Mix thoroughly together. 

As a preventive. — Mix with the slop twice a week in the 
proportion of 4 tablespoonfuls to five hogs. If they do not eat it 
at first, starve them to it. As a cure. — Give in the same propor- 
tion once daily. 

At least half a dozen farmers have told me they have used 
the above remedy with most excellent results, claiming that it is 
the only thing they have ever discovered that will cure Hog 

C^o^^^^- D. B. Freeman, Detroit, Michigan. 

7. Cholera. — Charcoal and ashes is about the best thing I 
have ever tried for hog Cholera. ^ ^ ^^^^^ Coldwater, Mich. 

8. Cholera. — The following is an unfailing cure for Hog 
'Cholera, and also a preventive of the disease: Give to each hog i 
teaspoonful of White Hellebore in food. One dose is sufiicient. 

Hiravi Graham, Franklin, Pennsylvania, R. F. D. i, No. 9. 



PRACTICAI^ RECIPES FROM FARMERS 731 

9. Cholera. — The following formula is from the Govern- 
ment Veterinarian. I have used this remedy, and while it will 
not always cure the disease, it is nevertheless a good one. 

Wood Charcoal i pound. 

Sulphur I " 

Sodium Chloride 2 pounds. 

Sodium Bicarbonate 2 " 

Sodium Hyposulphate 2 " 

Sodium Sulphate i pound. 

Antimony Sulphide (Black Antimony) i " 

Mix. Dose, i tablespoonful to a 200 pound 
hog once a day. 

A. B. Brown, Alexandria, South Dakota. 

10. Cholera, To Prevent. — Keep them from sleeping in 
manure piles and old wet straw stacks. Feed charred corn, salt 
and sulphur, and you will not have the disease in your hogs. 

/. W. Higgs, Silver Leaf, North Dakota. 

CONSTIPATION AND LAMENESS CAUSED BY 
STRONG FEED AND WANT OF EXERCISE.— Feed all 

the wood ashes and salt they want to eat and give them a chance 
to exercise. Ernest Heine, Ellendale, North Dakota. 

COUGH. — A small quantity of Venetian Red put into slop 
and given to hogs will stop cough. To a hog that weighs 100 
pounds, give teaspoonful at a time. If not relieved, repeat the 
dose in twenty-four hours. To a larger hog, give a larger dose; 
to a smaller hog a smaller dose. 

Gurley Taylor, Booneville, Indiana. 

LAMENESS.— See Constipation and Lameness, given 
by Eryiest Heine, Ellendale, North Dakota. 

2. Lameness and Stiffness. — Give Sulphur i to 2 tea- 
spoonfuls and Epsom Salts i to 2 teaspoonfuls, according to size 
of hog, in the regular feed till the bowels move freely. Keep in 
a dry place. Thomas Newbgging, Atwood, Perth Co. , Canada. 

LICE. — Sprinkle hogs with undiluted coal oil. Use plenty, 
and repeat in ten or fifteen days. 

W. R. Sedberry, PittsMd, Illinois. 



732 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

PNEUMONIA. — I have found Turpentine — administered 
by a metal syringe, which they cannot injure by biting — to be 
the most satisfactory of any remedy. For a pig of loo pounds, take 
a tablespoonful of Turpentine and mix with half a teacupful of 
milk. Reduce dose and repeat in six hours. If in pain, add 30 
drops of Laudanum. 

H. T. Morgan, Aft. Morris, Michigan. 

RHEUMATISM; ALSO LICE.— Rub well with kerosene 
oil. It will not take the hair oflf. 

Joh?i P. IVoodard, New Conierstown, Ohio. 

SCOURS IN PIGS. — This is a common and dangerous 
ailment in young pigs, and is most frequently caused by feeding 
dam too much rich slop too soon after farrowing. If pigs get 
Scours, which will soon be noticed by the white excrement and 
general appearance, take i teaspoonful of Copperas, dissolve and 
put into a little swill for the sow and slack up on the slop feed 
for sow until pigs get older. If pigs get Scours after weaning, 
give Copperas to them. One or two doses will cure, 

T. M. Hmne, Williamston, Kentucky. 

2. Scours, To Prevent in Young Pigs. — For each pig 
give one tablespoonful of air-slaked lime two or three times a 

week. This is an excellent remedy at all times with feeding hogs. 
I have pursued the course of slopping my feeding hogs twice a 
week and making the slop as strong with lime as they will take 
it in small quantities, so that fifty head would not take more than 
six or seven pailfuls. I have lost scarcely any hogs by disease, 
and have been feeding for forty 5^ears. 

David F. Hoover, Pennville , Jay Co., India^ia. 

WORMS (STOMACH) IN HOGS.— 

Sulphate of Iron i drachm 

Gentian (ground) I " 

Give the above to each full grown hog once a day in feed; 
to young pigs about half the quantity. 

Walter Whitfield, Sr., Pontiac, Michigan, R. F. D. No. 6. 



PRACTICAI, RKCIPES FROM FARMERS 733 

2. Worms. — Give in milk one teaspoonful of Turpentine for 
each pig twice a week before feeding in the morning. I kept this 
up for two weeks with good results. Put Turpentine and milk in 
trough in above proportion. 

D. TerBush, Fento?t, Michigan. 



REMEDIES FOR CHICKENS 



CHICKENS, SUGGESTIONS FOR CARE OF.— A 

very good thing for chickens is a good sized pile of sand and 
gravel for them to dust and feed in. Cooked meats, also ground 
bones and cracklings from the butcher's kettle, are good to make 
liens lay. ^. m. Powell, Polo, Illinois. 

CHOLERA.— The following, "Douglas Mixture," is a 
Cholera cure, and is an excellent tonic to give at any time to pre- 
vent disease. 

Douglas Mixture. — Dissolve % pound of Sulphate of Iron 

(green copperas) in i gallon of water. To another gallon of 

water add carefully i ounce of pure Sulphuric Acid. Mix the 

two together in a jug and keep it tightly corked. 

Dose. — From i teaspoonful to 2 tablespoonfuls 
to a pint of water, according to the severity of the 
sickness. 

D. H. Clifton, De Cliff, Ohio. 

2. Cholera. — Soak corn or any grain in kerosene for twelve 
hours and feed. Repeat three times. Sure cure for Chicken 
Cholera. If/. /. Reynolds, Pipestone, Mi?mesota. 

3. Cholera. — Mix a tablespoonful of Carbolic Acid in a 
bucketful of scalded wheat bran and feed. 

D. F. Pike, Lisbon, Ohio. 

4. Cholera. — 

Corn Meal 40 parts. 

Black Pepper i part. 

I feed the above freely at the first signs of Chicken Cholera. 
It seems to be a good tonic for chickens. 

James B. Wehrnian, Nelson ^ Nebraska. 



734 'THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 



5. Cholera, to Prevent. — Give as a drink, equal parts of 
Alum and Saltpeter dissolved in pure water. 

Hiram Graham, Franklin, Pennsylvania, R. F. D. i, No. p. 

6. Cholera, to Prevent. — Grind Salts in drinking water, 
I teaspoonful to a gallon of water. 

F. M. Brown, Kiel, Kingfisher Co., Oklahoma. 

7. Cholera. — Give the sick fowls i teaspoonful each of 
Castor Oil, and follow this with Carbolic Acid in the drinking 
water — Y^ teaspoonful of Carbolic Acid to i gallon of water. 
Isolate the sick fowls. 

E. C. Wood, Mt. Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio. 

8. Cholera. — Dissolve i pound Copperas in 2 gallons water 
and add 2 ounces Sulphuric Acid. Dose: One ounce of the 
solution in one quart of water once a week. 

D. TerBush, Fe^iton, Michigan. 

GAPES, A SURE CURE FOR.— Place the chicken in a 
tight box, and spread a thin cloth over the box. On this cloth 
put a handful of air-slaked lime; shake it gently to cause the 
lime to sift through. The chicken will gape and swallow the 
lime, and this will kill the worms. Care must be taken to not 
leave the chicken covered too long or it will suffocate. If used 
properly, the chicken will surely recover. 

James M. Ross, Fairmont, Marion Co., West Virginia. 

2. Gapes. — For Gapes use crude oil about their feeding 
troughs and runs. ^r ^ Starcher, Berlin, West Virgi7iia. 

LICE. — Take dust from the road and wood ashes, about 
three times as much of the dust as of the ashes, mix and keep 
dry for chickens to dust in. ^ p p-^^ p^^j^^^^^ qj^-^ 

2. Lice. — Spray the chicken house twice a month in warm 
weather with kerosene or coal oil and water in equal parts. It 

is fine to kill lice. 

E. C. Wood, Mt. Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio. 

3. Lice on Chickens. — In a dry time gather and sift dry 
road dust and keep in a dry place where the chickens can get at 



PRACTICAIv RECIPES FROM FARMERS 



/o5 



it, mixing ashes with it. For instance, take a box about 2 feet 
square by i foot high, and put into it ]/[ wood ashes to ^ dust, 
mixing them up together. In the fall gather the dust for winter 
use and store in a dry place. I gathered several bushels last fall. 

D. F. Pike, Lisbon, Ohio. 

PARASITIC BOWEL DISEASE OF CHICKENS. ._ 

"A trouble that kills thousands of young chickens." — Dissolve 
20 grains Citrate of Iron in a pint of water. Place this where 
the chickens may have free access to drinking basins. Repeat 
every day until relieved of trouble. Used successfully by Mrs. 
Haynes for years. q^^^ ^ Haynes, Hillsboro, Ohio. 

ROUP. — Mix lard and Sulphur, make pills and place in 
their throats. Also grease their heads with coal oil. 

W. R. Sedberry, Pittsfield, Illinois. 

2. Roup. — Take a chicken and stick head in coal oil over 
the nostrils until it breathes once. By that time it will have 
inhaled enough to effect a sure cure. 

D. B. Freema7i, Detroit, Michigan. 

SCALY LEGS. — Mix i teaspoonful of kerosene oil with 2 
or 3 ounces of lard — or in that proportion — and thoroughly grease 
the shanks of the aflflicted fowls. This will kill the mites that 
cause the trouble. ^ TerBush, Fenton, Michigan. 

2. Scaly Legs. — For Scaly Legs dip the feet in crude oil 
or blackstrap. 

W. S. Starcher, Berlin, West Virginia. 



Note. — The foregoing recipes have been collected, and compiled witn 
much care, from many of the most reliable farmers and stock owners, and 
Dr. Waterman is in no -wise responsible for the remedies in this department. 

PUBLISHERS. 



THE SUGAR BEET 



By U. p. HEDRICK 
Professor of Horticulture, Michigan State Agricultural College 



SOIL FOR SUGAR BEETS. — It is now fairly well 
settled that the ideal soil for growing sugar beets is a clay loam. 
Such a soil gives the highest yield and the greatest percentage of 
sugar. Added to the above advantages are those of a reasonable 
certainty of a crop and a soil easily worked. Clay loams retain 
moisture in a dry season and give off the excess water when the 
rainfall is too great. The sugar beet must have high culture. 
It is essential, then, that the soil be such that it can be easily 
prepared and tilled. 

Heavy clays, in the main, should be avoided. Not, possibly, 
from the standpoint of food, but because such land is hard to fit 
for seeding; in most seasons it cannot be well tilled; and the 
beets find it difficult to push their way downward in the hard 
soil. It is almost necessary to subsoil such land. The sugar 
content, too, of beets grown on clay soils is usually low. Again, 
heavy clay land is very productive of rough miss-shaped roots. 
Besides subsoiling, clay lands must be kept supplied with vege- 
table humus; and in the growing seasons must be well cultivated 
to preserve moisture and to keep the soil from baking. 

True muck lands are seldom desirable for sugar beets. While 
such lands are fairly productive, often producing extra large 
crops, yet the sugar content is so low that the crop is unprofitable 
to growers. Some so-called muck lands have sufiicient amount 
of clay and sand in them to produce beets quite • rich enough in 
sugar; or, a clay subsoil may be near enough to the surface to 
give the beets a high percentage of sugar. Each individual farm 
of such soil should be carefully experimented upon with growing 
beets before a large venture is made. 

Sandy soils and sandy loams have several advantages for 
sugar beet growing, but all these are usually outweighed by two 

736 



THE SUGAR BEET 737 



great disadvantages. These are that such soils will not hold a 
su£5cient supply of moisture in any but a very wet season, and 
that sands are seldom fertile enough to produce a large crop. 
The advantages are that such soils produce roots rich in sugar; 
that the land is easily worked, and that the crop can be harvested 
with comparative ease. 

Whatever the soil, the aim must be to grow medium sized 
beets rather than very large ones. It has been well demonstrated 
that beets weighing over three pounds contain a small percentage 
of sugar. Roots with a weight under one pound are unprofitable 
to handle, because of greater expense in handling. To avoid ex- 
cessively large roots sow rather thickly. 

SOIL PREPARATION.— Second only to the quality and 
kind of soil is its preparation. From the nature of the crop it is 
obvious that one of the first requisites is a deep, mellow root-run. 
Beets grow straight down and entirely beneath the ground. To 
secure this deep root-run a soil at all hard, or one having a heavy 
subsoil close to the surface should be subsoiled, and in any case 
plowed as deeply as possible. Only thus can one grow properly 
shaped roots with a high percentage of sugar. Sandy soils and 
those with a sandy subsoil are better without the subsoiling. 

Deep plowing and subsoiling should be done, as a rule, in the 
fall. Thus the ground has a chance to settle so that it will hold 
more moisture and hold it longer in the growing season, and the 
work for the spring is put forward by reason of having the plow- 
ing done in the fall. Whatever the time for plowing, it is not 
well to turn under a large amount of coarse plant roughage. 
Spring plowing should be done at the earliest time consistent with 
the fact that wet sodden soil is always injured by being worked. 
If coarse manure is to be used, by all means plow it under in the 
fall. In most cases it will be found of advantage to apply coarse 
manure for humus to the preceding crop. 

The harrow and the roller in the spring preparation should 
at once follow the plow. While it is all essential to have a mel- 
low soil, yet if the porosity be too great the evil effects of drouths 
are much more marked. Harrow the ground until it is in uni- 
foiTnly good surface tilth. The number of times to harrow 
depends entirely on the condition of the soil. A few times may 



738 THE PRACTrCAL STOCK DOCTOR 

suffice, and on the other hand several times over may not bring 
the soil into the desired condition. The more nearly the field 
resembles a garden bed, the greater the chance of success. 

INFLUENCE OF PREVIOUS CROPS.— The previous 
cropping of a piece of land has a decided influence upon the 
growth and quality of sugar beets. Undoubtedly the most 
desirable crops to precede sugar beets are some of the garden- 
like plants now so commonly grown in sugar beet regions. A 
previous crop of cucumbers or of tomatoes leaves the ground in 
good condition for beets. Beans followed by beets is a good 
rotation. Heavy sods leave land in poor condition for beets, as 
do all crops which make necessary the plowing under of much 
coarse vegetation. For this reason, corn stubble land is not the 
best, though the stubble of the grain crops often gives good 
results. Beets followed by beets is often undesirable, because 
diseases have a better chance at the after crops: Many growers, 
however, sow beets two and three times in succession without 
decidedly evil effects from fungi and insects of the previous crops. 

SEEDS AND VARIETIES.— Beet seeds are usually, if 
not always, furnished growers by the sugar company. This is a 
requirement in most contracts. It is well for the grower and the 
factory alike that such is the case. The seed is imported from 
Europe by the sugar companies and is usually well tested before 
distribution to the grower. Thus certainty of growth and of the 
proper variety is insured. The cost to the grower is much less 
than if he were compelled to buy in small lots from seedsmen. 
Probably it will come about that our seed will be American grown 
and of improved varieties for our conditions, but it will be long 
before the average grower can secure seeds of as high a quality 
as those that can be furnished from the factory. Not less than a 
score of varieties of sugar beets have been tested in the Michigan 
growing regions. Without doubt some are better adapted to 
certain regions than others. Within the opportunities given him 
by the factory, the grower should test the varieties to be had to 
ascertain which suits his conditions most advantageously. 

SOWING THE SEED.— The notion prevails that seed 
sowing is a difficult and expensive operation. This is wrong and 



THE SUGAR BEET 739 

the reverse of the truth, for the seeding is about the simplest of 
the beet growing operations Ordinary garden seed drills of 
some makes may be used in sowing small plats, but the special 
sugar beet drills will soon pay for themselves in a field of more 
than a few acres. Grain drills are never satisfactory without 
beet seed attachments, and are seldom satisfactory with these. 
Cultivation is facilitated somewhat if the same number of rows 
are drilled at one passing as will be cultivated at a single pass- 
ing of the cultivator. To illustrate, do not follow a three row 
drill with a two row cultivator. 

It is false economy to be sparing in the amount of seed for 
the beet field. On the other hand it is often profitable to be 
somewhat prodigal of seed — far better to err on the side of too 
much rather than on that of too little seed. If all of the seeds 
could be placed just where each is wanted; or if all would grow, 
a very few pounds per acre would suffice. Experience, however, 
has well demonstrated that not less than fifteen pounds should be 
planted, and in many cases this amount can be increased a few 
pounds. The soil, the season and the condition of the field have 
much to do with the amount of seed. 

The time for planting has been a matter of much experi- 
mentation. Happily it has been decided that there can be 
considerable range as to time. In the latitude of Michigan, 
planting may begin April fifteenth in the average season and 
continue until the first of June. The ideal time is from the 
tenth to the twentieth of May. If a large area is being planted 
several dates for planting may be advisable to give a longer 
period for thinning, cultivating and harvesting. 

The depth to plant depends, of course, upon local conditions. 
The lighter the soil and the later the seeding, the deeper the 
seed should be planted. The distance apart of the rows is like- 
wise dependent upon individual conditions. The poorer the soil, 
the greater the distance between rows. The limits as to the 
distance are from eighteen to twenty-four inches with twenty- 
one, the average, as the best distance for most conditions. The 
beet tops must cover the ground. 

THINNING. — The operation of thinning is about the most 
important one connected with the growing of sugar beets. It is 



740 THE PRACTICAI, vSTOCK DOCTOR 

the one, too, that is most often neglected in that it comes 
at a busy time of the season, and in that it is a tedious operation 
and must be done with exceeding care if done well. The time 
for thinning should be guaged by the growth of the young plants 
rather than by number of days. Thus we say begin to thin 
when the fourth leaf begins to show. Usually this will be a 
month or a little less, depending upon conditions, after the com- 
pletion of seeding. The rule for thinning is that there shall be 
but one beet for each six or eight inches of row. For most part 
the thinning must be done by hand. If used with skill and 
judgment, a hoe greatly aids in the work of thinning, but imple- 
ments must not be put in the hands of the unskilled. Thinning 
is usually performed by gangs of women and children under the 
charge of expert foremen. Thinning should be done promptly 
and expeditiously, as any delay increases the expense of the opera- 
tion and retards the crop. 

CULTIVATION AND WEEDS.— Cultivation in the 
beet field serves four chief ends. First, it saves the moisture. 
By forming an earth mulch on the soil surface evaporation is 
prevented and the moisture is conserved for the use of the plant. 
Second, it sets free plant food by breaking up clods and hard 
spots, and by permitting the freer entrance of air. The action of 
the elements, too, on the mellowed soil makes available plant 
food, which otherwise the plant could not have used. Third, it 
enables the roots to obtain a full supply of Oxygen. Plants, like 
animals, must have Oxygen, and the more porous the soil the 
more freely the air can circulate. Fourth, cultivation kills weeds. 
In the care of beets the last is probably the chief end of cultiva- 
tion, as a crop of weeds unchecked is fatal to the beet crop. 

Cultivation to kill weeds should begin before seeding. When 
seed are to be put in toward the middle of May or a little 
later, the soil should be cultivated several times before sowing, 
that all sprouting weeds are killed as they show themselves. 
Cultivate up to the day before the seeds are sown. Some prefer 
extra early planting, thus giving the beets equal chance with the 
weeds, with the intention of cultivating as soon as the beets 
appear. Whatever the treatment to get ahead of weeds, it is a 
safe procedure to start the horse cultivator as soon as the rows of 



THE SUGAR BEET 741 



beets can be seen and keep it going once a week until the beet 
tops cover the ground. Once the leaves entirely cover the ground, 
the weeds will grow no more. It is well to keep in mind that 
the greatest growth of the beet is made, and that most of the 
sugar is formed after the leaves have covered the ground. 

BEET PULLING. — Beets begin to form sugar and to 
mature early in October. The beginning of the ripening period 
is indicated by the leaves, which at this time turn yellow. More 
accurately the period for harvesting can be determined by a 
chemical analysis, the general average for unripe, immature beets 
being below the 12 per cent, standard. Fully mature beets 
should exceed the standard just given, the amount of excess 
depending upon the soil and the season. Happily the harvesting 
period can be prolonged six weeks to suit the convenience of 
grower or of buyer. It is estimated that about one-fourth of 
the expense of growing beets comes in the harvesting. It is 
obvious that the grower must not neglect nor put off so important 
an operation until the cold and wet of autumn entirely prohibit 
out-of-door work. 

In the latter connection it is important to note that sugar 
beets may be frozen to almost any degree without injury if used 
before they are thawed. Repeated freezing and thawing before 
conversion into sugar, however, spoils the product. 

Several special tools are used to lift the beets out of the 
ground. Without doubt a special tool for the purpose is better 
than the subsoil plow, or the common plow, often seen in the 
beet field. The kind of special tool depends largely upon the 
soil. No device yet invented can be successfully used in wholly 
removing tops from sugar beets. For most part topping is done 
by hand, using a special knife for the purpose . Here again 
women, and boys well along in their teens, can be employed in 
well managed gangs to advantage. The crop is easiest picked 
and carted to cars and factory in bushel slat crates, now to be 
had in almost every neighborhood. 

We have followed through the essential phases of sugar beet 
growing from soil to harvesting. There are still, however, 
several important considerations that need attention if one con- 
templates growing beets. The first of these is the contract. 



742 THE PRACTICAI, STOCK DOCTOR 

THE CONTRACT. — Nearly all sugar beets are grown 
under contract. These are made between the agents of the com- 
pany and the grower during the winter campaign preceding the 
growing season. Dear experience has taught farmers to bew-are 
of contracts as a rule, but the beet sugar industry is such that 
the contract is an essential for the farmer and factory. On the 
part of the farmer he must know that he can dispose of his crop 
to the factory, otherwise they are almost a dead loss. The 
factory must be sure of a definite acreage and that the product of 
its seed goes to no other factory. The chief things specified in a 
contract are: Acreage, a stipulated price determined by the 
purity of beets and the percentage of sugar; the regulation of 
matters pertaining to seeds; and the penalties. The latter are 
such that they can be inflicted only through the claim arising 
from the factory's having furnished the seed. Sugar beet con- 
tracts may be characterized in the main as fair and just. 

LABOR. — The growing of sugar beets requires more labor 
than can be found in most farming communities. To secure 
labor it is almost necessary that the beets be grown near a town 
or city. Fortunately cheap and unskilled labor largely suffices. 
It must be such, however, that it can be concentrated. Gangs of 
workmen are absolutely necessary at certain periods. Near 
towns women, boys and girls in their teens, and unemployed men 
can be secured without trouble. Special inducements in the way 
of a meal, or in the way of a free ride night and morning, go a 
long way toward securing help. The crop is such, for most part, 
that high wages cannot be paid. A skilled, active foreman or 
two is a necessity with such labor. It is obvious that the acre- 
age of beets a man can grow must be largely dependent on the 
laborers he can secure. 

FERTILIZERS FOR BEETS.— Sugar beets are heavy 
feeders and quickly exhaust land. The problem of supplying 
soil fertility at once confronts the man who expects to grow beets 
regularly. Unlike most phases of general farming, there is little 
or nothing to be returned to the land from the refuse of the crop, 
and the grower must look almost wholly to outside sources for 
fertilizers. 



THE SUGAR BEET 743 

It has been found that barnyard manures are not ideal fer- 
tilizers in sugar beet growing unless applied the season previous, 
and in no case later than the previous autumn. Sugar beets 
grown in a soil containing manure not well rotted, as is the case 
when the manure is applied in the spring, are usually miss-shaped 
and lacking in sugar. Even well rotted stable manure is best 
applied the fall previous, that it may become thoroughly incor- 
porated in the soil. 

Commercial fertilizers are quite generally coming into use. 
Just what fertilizers can be best applied depends largely upon 
the food elements in a soil and upon the texture and condition of 
the soil. Of the various special brands of fertilizers on the 
market, manifestly those for root crops are better for beets than 
the grain fertilizers. As a rule, fertilizers rich in Potash and 
Phosphoric Acid are wanted for beets, as these elements increase 
both tonnage and quality. Nitrogen is not so much needed, 
except to give the young plants a start. In the main, fertilizers 
for beets should be quickly available, and with the exception of 
Nitrate of Soda, possibly, should be sown broadcast before 
seeding and thoroughly mixed with the soil. It has been found 
that a ton of unleached wood ashes and 100 pounds of Nitrate of 
Soda per acre on the average soil is a good formula. Another 
acre formula is: — 120 pounds Nitrate of Soda, 250 pounds Acid 
Phosphate, or of dissolved bone; and 125 pounds Sulphate of 
Potash. 

TOOLS. — The plows and harrows for this crop may be 
those in common use. The only suggestion in regard to them 
is that they should be adapted for the soil in which they are to be 
used. Each kind of soil, in general, has a plow and harrow best 
adapted for it. Many, many acres of sugar beets are grown 
without special seed drills or special tools for lifting. Neverthe- 
less, the man who is growing any considerable acreage will find it 
greatly to his profit to provide himself with a beet seed drill, 
sugar beet cultivators, beet weeders, special hoes, topping knives 
and the beet lifter. The total expense for these implements is 
not great, and need not exceed $80.00 or $100.00, depending upon 
the sizes purchased. Some factories furnish tools at wholesale 
prices; others rent tools to their growers. In some neighborhoods 



744 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

tools are owned in partnership by two or more growers. It is 
obvious that the more expensive and the scarcer labor is, the 
greater is the need of having a thorough equipment of the best 
sugar beet tools. 

HIGH QUALITY. — A most important point in the grow- 
ing of sugar beets is to secure a high quality — that is, a large 
sugar content and a high degree of purity. In this the sugar 
beet differs much from most other crops, the chief requirement in 
the growing of which is productiveness, regardless of quality. 
The selection of the soil and the management of the crop, then, 
must always be such that they are conducive to high quality, 
with tonnage as a secondary consideration. 



FERTILIZERS 



By U. p. HEDRICK 
Professor of Horticulture, Michigan State Agricultural Collegre 



Fertilizers are materials which render a soil more productive 
or more fertile. The most common examples are: Stable Manure, 
Guano, Nitrate of Soda and Land Plaster. The question at once 
arises, what substances can be added to make ground more 
fruitful? This cannot be answered without ascertaining what 
materials are present in a soil that is called rich or fertile. 

ELEMENTS NEEDED IN PLANT GROWTH.— In 

order to determine the latter point many chemical analyses of 
plants and soils extending over a great number of years have 
been made. The results of these analyses have enabled scientists 
to divide the substances necessary to the nourishment of plants 
into three groups: First, those absolutely necessary to plant 
growth which must always be present and in such form that 
plants can make use of them. These are: Oxygen, Hydrogen, 
Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, Calcium 
(Lime) Magnesium and Iron. Second, there are some substances 
which are present in all plants, but do not seem to be indispen- 
sable to growth: as Chloride, Sodium and Silica. Third, there 
are always admixtures depending upon the soil, as Aluminum, 
Zinc, Copper, Nickel and others. 

What is the remedy if any of the necessary substances are 
wanting in the soil? Obviously, it is to add the missing element 
or elements in some available form. This is called fertilizing. 
Happily, many of the substances necessary for plant growth are 
always found in sufficient quantities in soil or atmosphere, and 
the plant grower needs to add but comparatively few. The 
elements that are commonly lacking, and which must be added 
as fertilizers of one kind or another, are: Nitrogen, Potassium 
and Phosphorus. 

745 



746 THE PRACTICAIv STOCK DOCTOR 

Having determined what substances are likely to be wanting 
in a soil, we must ask, In what form does the plant find these 
substances in the soil ? 

But before this question can be answered a knowledge of 
what the soil is, is necessary. Soil consists of finely divided rock 
fragments mixed with decayed vegetable and animal matter. 
Now, the structure of the soil has much to do with soil fertility. 
By structure is meant the size and character of the rock frag- 
ments composing a soil. Thus we may have gravel, coarse sand, 
fine sand, clay, silt, etc. The structure of the soil is intimately 
connected with the fertility because upon the structure de- 
pends the amount of air circulating in a soil; the amount of 
water held for the plant; and the possibility of favorable decom- 
position of fertilizers added. 

The best structure for a cultivated soil is one which is not 
too coarse to hold sufficient water for plant growth, and yet is 
not so fine that it retains so much water that the soil is saturated, 
thereby excluding air. 

The practice of fertilizing soils is made possible by the capa- 
city of all soils to attract and retain the substances which plants 
take from the earth. The capacity of a soil to retain the various 
elements of fertilization is known as its power of absorption. 
Now, a plant takes in through its roots not only the water held in 
the soil, but also the substances absorbed by the water. 

We are now ready for the question as to the form in which 
plant food exists in the soil. In this connection we need to dis- 
cuss only the three foods as given above. 

Potassium is absorbed and held by soil for the use of plants 
in the form of some one of several Potash Salts, as the Sulphate, 
Chloride, or Nitrate, All of these are somewhat of the nature of 
common salt. All may be purchased as chemical fertilizers, 
although the last named is too expensive for common use. The 
above salts may also be added to land in combination with other 
elements, as in the case of ashes and stable manure. 

Phosphorus is available to plants only as Phosphoric Acid. 
As such it may be absorbed by the soil if it enters in solution, 
where it combines with some of the metals. The best condition 
of this acid is, as it is combined with lyime. Magnesium or Iron, 



FERTILIZERS 747 

making the so-called Phosphates sold as commercial fertilizers. 
Usually, the richer a soil is in Lime, the more Phosphoric Acid it 
will absorb and retain for the use of plants. 

Nitrogen, the third important element, is about us in the air 
everywhere, but is not available for plants except in the case of 
the so-called leguminous plants — peas, beans, clovers and their 
like, which have the power of taking nitrogen in through their 
roots by the aid of bacteria in minute root tubercles, which all 
must know. Plants make use of Nitrogen chiefly as Ammonia, 
and in salts known as Nitrates. Very little of the Nitrogen in 
these compounds is derived from the air, and we may say that 
practically all of this element must come from fertilizers except 
that taken from the air by the clover-like plants. 

REPLENISHING PLANT FOOD.— How can we replace 
plant foods in the soil ? For it must be apparent to all that no 
soil can endure loss of foods year after year without being replen- 
ished. As well expect a man to continue to draw from his bank 
account without ever adding thereto. 

Hydrogen, Oxygen and Carbon are replaced by natural pro- 
cesses; as by means of water and from the air. Lime is found in 
sufficient quantities in most soils and is easily added to those 
lacking it. Iron and other mineral elements are always present 
in sufficient quantities. We need, then, to add but the three chief 
elements — Potassium, Phosphoric Acid and Nitrogen. These may 
be added in many forms, as we have seen above, which, however, 
fall into two great groups — inorganic or mineral fertilizers, and 
organic or vegetable and animal fertilizers. 

INORGANIC FERTILIZERS.— The soil can be replen- 
ished with all the plant foods in the form of chemicals. These 
have the advantage of being concentrated, easily applied, and of 
having the amount and value of each element in them definitely 
known. Besides furnishing food to plants, chemical fertilizers 
have a mechanical action on soils, making them in most instances 
more compact and more retentive of moisture. They also have 
an indirect effect in furnishing food, inasmuch as most of them 
help to set free plant nourishment already in the soil, but not 
available to plants because not in the right chemical form. 



748 THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

POTASH COMPOUNDS.— The chief source of inorganic 
Potash fertilizers are certain salts mined in Germany, of which 
Commercial Kainit is an example. These salts are found on the 
market under the name just given and as Sulphate of Potash and 
Muriate of Potash. The salts of Potash are very concentrated, 
and it is seldom advisable to apply them in the hill or in the 
row with seeds or plants, nor immediately before the planting 
of seeds or the setting out of plants. Serious injury is often done 
tender seedlings by the injudicious use of Potash salts. They 
are best applied at a considerable time before planting. The 
quantities vary greatly, depending on the crops, the soil, and the 
value of the fertilizer. Recommendations as to the amounts to 
be used for the different crops are usually furnished by the 
experiment stations or by the sellers of fertilizers. 

Whichever of these salts is used, it should be mixed in the 
soil and not placed on top, and at a time when a damp period is 
likely to follow. A choice of the three named depends on the 
crop. Kainit is the cheapest but is less concentrated, and the 
distance from the sea coast, upon which the price largely depends, 
because of transportation charges, may make it the most expensive. 
The Muriate of Potash is usually most quickly available, there- 
fore best for early crops and for use when an immediate effect is 
wanted. 

Wood ashes are a most valuable source of Potash and at one 
time furnished the entire supply of this element. A drawback to 
the use of ashes is that the product is not uniform, that from dif- 
ferent woods varying much. Usually the softer the wood the 
poorer the ash. Ashes should always be bought subject to an- 
alysis, paying so much per pound for the food constituents. The 
value of unleached hardwood ashes ranges from twenty to thirty 
cents per bushel. They can usually be purchased for much less. 
Coal ashes have no value. Ashes have a very favorable effect 
upon the soil structures of light soils, making them more com- 
pact. The very great value of ashes is seldom realized by those 
who use fertilizers. 

PHOSPHORIC ACID COMPOUNDS. — Phosphoric 
Acid is also obtained in several forms as an inorganic fertilizer. 
The chief source is the various rock Phosphates mined in several 



FERTILIZERS 749 

parts of the United States. These contain from 18 to 30 per cent. 
Phosphoric Acid. All are fairly uniform in character, easily- 
handled, and for most part are highly satisfactory Phosphate fer- 
tilizers. The chief drawback is that they are not very soluble, 
and not therefore quickly available as plant food. All dealers in 
commercial fertilizers handle them. 

Iron Phosphate, or the Thomas-slag, is a waste product in 
the manufacture of steel. It is produced in large quantities in 
steel making countries, and its production is increasing. It con- 
tains from 15 to 20 per cent. Phosphoric Acid and comes in the 
form of a fine powder. Like the Rock Phosphate, it is somewhat 
insoluble and not quickly available. 

The Rock and Iron Phosphates are usually considered ' ' raw 
material," of little use to plants without sonie preparatory treat- 
ment to make them more soluble and so more available for the 
use of plants. 

Usually they are made more poluble by treatment with an 
acid, which changes them into the so-called acid-phosphates. 
We shall not have further occasion to mention the acid-phos- 
phates, and must here call attention to their great desirability as 
a means of fi'irnishing Phosphoric Acid. Rock and Iron Phos- 
phates may go through the change of decomposition in the soil, 
in which case they must be added long before it is expected the 
plants will need them. In the latter case, the plants make use 
of the Phosphoric Acid as rapidly as it becomes soluble. The 
rate at which the above phosphates become soluble, and thus fit 
for plant food, depends upon the fertilizer itself; the fineness of 
division of the fertilizer, the character of the soil, and the kind of 
crop. 

NITROGEN COMPOUNDS.— Of the three food elements 
we are discussing, Nitrogen is the most expensive and the most 
useful in the various systems of fertilizing. It is obtained for 
most part from barnyard manures, and yet large quantities come 
from two chemical fertilizers — Nitrate of Soda and Sulphate of 
Ammonia. 

Vast deposits of Nitrate of Soda are found along the Pacific 
coast of South America. As this fertilizer comes to us it contains 
from 15 to 16 per cent, of Nitrogen. From the standpoint of 



750 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

availability as a food for plants, this must be regarded as the most 
desirable form of Nitrogen. Plants can make use of it at once; 
it is in concentrated form, and since it is readily soluble it dis- 
tributes itself well throughout a soil. 

Sulphate of Ammonia is a salt derived from the manufacture 
of gas and coke from coal. It contains about 20 per cent. Its 
advantages are that it is very concentrated, thus reducing the 
cost of handling. It is stable and always in the same form, so that 
the purchaser knows what he is buying; and it is soluble and 
therefore quick in its effects on plants. 

The difference in usefulness between these two Nitrogen 
fertilizers depends most largely upon the character of the season. 
The Sulphate of Ammonia is most useful in a wet season, as the 
Nitrate of Soda dissolves rapidly and is washed out and lost if 
there is much water in the soil. On the other hand the Nitrate 
of Soda is the most useful for a dry season . Both possess advan- 
tages over organic forms of Nitrogen fertilizers, in that they are 
definite compounds, always alike in their appearance, and always 
behave in the same way. 

ORGANIC FERTILIZERS.— Originally organic fertiliz- 
ers in the form of animal manures were the only fertilizers added 
to the soil. Notwithstanding the evident value of inorganic food 
substances, and notwithstanding the fact that they are indispen- 
sable to any rational system of agriculture, animal manures still 
hold first place as fertilizers. The good husbandman, whatever 
the crop he grows, still aims to get as much organic fertilizer as 
possible, and then supplements it with inorganic fertilizers. 

The greatest advantage of organic compounds over inorganic 
ones for enriching lands is that the former improves the physical 
conditions of all soils, while the latter, though it may benefit 
some soils temporarily, invariably causes the soil to deteriorate in 
structure if applied solely for more than a few years. Moreover, 
inorganic fertilizers for most part lose their valuable qualities 
after several applications, if not carefully rotated with barnyard 
fertilizers or green manure crops. 

STABLE MANURES.— The chief aim in adding fertil- 
izers to the soil is to increase the plant food in the soil. This is 



FERTILIZERS 751 

recognized by all, but there is a second end now considered almost 
equally important; namely, to improve the physical condition of 
the soil. Barnyard manures are ideal in that they serve both 
purposes to a high degree. Thus heavy soils are made more 
fertile and yet lighter and more porous in physical condition by 
the addition of manures which contain more straw, while light 
soils are enriched and made more compact by adding manures 
lacking in straw or those that are well rotted. 

The disadvantages of farmyard manures are: that the 
fertilizing elements in them are seldom in good proportion; they 
have much Nitrogen but lack Potash and Phosphoric Acid; they 
are bulky and therefore expensive to handle. It often pays to 
buy chemical fertilizers rather than to accept inferior barnyard 
manures as a gift and distribute them. Third, one can seldom 
determine the true value of such manures, some being much 
more desirable than others. Lastly, the food substances in them 
are not in quickly available form, and excessive amounts must be 
applied to obtain immediate effects. While such manures are 
indispensable, plant growers now recognize that used alone they 
are inadequate. 

Farmyard manures, including the dung of all farm animals 
and poultry, are used almost entirely as sources of Nitrogen, 
though all contain the other two food elements in varying degrees. 

Their application to the soil should generally precede plant- 
ing by several months, unless extremely well rotted. The practice 
of hauling manures at once to the fields as they are made in the 
stable is rightly growing in favor. Depending upon the crop, 
manures are added at the rate of from 10 to 50 tons per acre. 

OTHER ORGANIC SOURCES OF NITROGEN.— 

Slaughtering establishments furnish several valuable products 
rich in Nitrogen. Chief of these is dried blood, which is the 
most concentrated and richest of the Nitrogenous fertilizers. It 
decays very rapidly in the soil and is quickly available as a plant 
food. It contains from 13 to 14 per cent, of Nitrogen. Dried 
meat obtained from the same source is similarly desirable. Hoof- 
meal is another high grade product from slaughtered animals. 
Tankage, which contains such waste matters as hairs, bones, ten- 
dons, and all unsalable parts of slaughtered animals, is more 



752 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

common than any of the above, but is not so desirable because 
not so uniform nor of so high a grade. Tankage usually contains 
considerable Phosphoric Acid and some Potash as well as the 
Nitrogen. All of these are commercial fertilizers, and can be 
obtained at reasonable prices from dealers. 

The guanos, bird manures, obtained for most part from Peru, 
were at one time a large and valuable source of Nitrogen. But 
these can scarcely be considered now owing to the fact that the 
supply is nearly exhausted; but where obtained at a reasonable 
price they are very desirable, mostly for their Nitrogen, but some- 
what for the other two elements as well. 

ORGANIC SOURCES OF PHOSPHORIC ACID.— 

The chief of all sources of Phosphoric Acid are the bones of 
various animals. For a long time bones were the only source of 
this fertilizer. The form in which the compound is found in the 
bones is that of Phosphate of Lime. In nearly all bone fertilizers 
there is also some Nitrogen, but there is little or no Potash. 
Bone fertilizers are found in our markets in various forms, chief 
of which is raw ground bone. 

Raw bone is that which has not lost any of its original con- 
stituents. For this reason it is highly esteemed as a fertilizer. 
It contains about 22 per cent, of phosphoric Acid and 4 per cent. 
of Nitrogen. Applied to the soil in this state, considerable time 
elapses before it decomposes and becomes available. Hence it 
should be used some time before the plants need it, and should 
always be ground as fine as possible. "Bone Meal," "Bone Dust" 
and "Fine Bone," as sold by the trade are all raw bone. 

Most of the bone sold for fertilizers has been cooked or 
steamed to secure the fat, which is valuable for other purposes. 
This deprives the bone of much of the Nitrogen, but makes a 
somewhat better source of Phosphoric Acid, as this element be- 
comes more available through the cooking. Probably this is the 
most desirable form in which to purchase bone fertilizers, other 
things being equal. 

Bone black or animal charcoal is another valuable source of 
Phosphoric Acid. This material is much used in the arts, 
especially for clarifying sugar. But after it has served its purpose 
in the arts, or because of the impurities it gathers, it becomes a 



FERTILIZERS 753 

high grade fertilizer. It must be said, however, that it is now 
so valuable for manufacturing purposes that it is not much used 
as a fertilizer. Inasmuch as it decomposes very slowly, it is 
scarcely as desirable, as the other forms of bone. 

In concluding the matter of organic fertilizers, a great num- 
ber of other substances might be discussed, nearly all of which 
are most valuable for their Nitrogen. A fair percentage are 
sought for their Phosphoric Acid and a very few are applied for 
their Potash. Among the less well-known organic substances 
are: garbage, tankage, various forms of fish, wool, leather and 
hair, cottonseed and linseed meal, castor pomace; tobacco stems 
which are valuable as an organic source of Potash; muck and 
peat and along the ocean, seaw^eeds of different kinds. 

GREEN MANURES.— A great deal might be said con- 
cerning the value and the place of green manures. The term 
is applied to any crop which is grown primarily to enrich the 
soil and not for a product to be harvested. For most part these 
are Nitrogen gatherers and add Nitrogen to a soil, though a few 
are Nitrogen consumers and take surplus Nitrogen from the soil. 

The most useful of green manures that add Nitrogen to the 
soil are those that belong to the clover family, as : the red and 
crimson clovers, cow peas and soja beans. These accumulate 
Nitrogen from the air, and at the proper time are plowed under, 
adding the element to the soil. It is easy to see that it would be 
injudicious to long continue the use of green manures as the soil 
will gradually become too rich in Nitrogen. Artificial manures 
must be rotated with the green manures. 

BUYING FERTILIZERS.— Dear experience has taught 
most users of commercial fertilizers that the best fertilizers to 
buy are the unmixed fertilizing materials rather than special 
mixtures, or the so-called standard brands. The unmixed 
fertilizers are cheaper, more stable and reliable, and the practice 
in general, of applying single constituents is a better one than 
that of using special formula for this and that crop. The buyer 
should seek to purchase a certain definite number of pounds of 
plant food, rather than a mixture supposed to possess remarkable 
qualities of the patent medicine order. 
4.8 



754 I'HE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

THE USE OF FERTILIZERS.— There are many, many 
factors which govern the profitable use of fertiHzers Much of 
the farmyard manure is wasted through injudicious methods of 
using, and money for commercial fertilizers seldom goes as far as 
it should because of a lack of knowledge in using the fertilizer. 
Is the application made for the immediate crop or for a large 
yield from a number of crops? What food is needed by the soil ? 
What was the previous cropping? Am I practicing a system of 
rotation of fertilizers ? What food element does the crop in hand 
demand? These are some of the questions a grower of plants 
must have answered for him in the use of fertilizers. 

SOIL AS A GUIDE TO THE FERTILIZER 
NEEDED. — A wide difference exists in the chemical composition 
of soils. As would be expected, in the application ot fertilizers, 
much can be told by the character of the soil. Thus, Potash is 
usually the most needed constituent for a sandy soil. On the 
other hand clay soils are well supplied with Potash, but as a rule 
lack Phosphoric Acid and Lime. In a limestone soil. Phosphoric 
Acid is very likely present in sufficient quantities; Potash is also 
usually present, but Nitrogen is generally lacking in sufficient 
quantities. But it must not be thought that the soil is a perfect 
guide. Soils of the same kind vary widely as to fertilizers needed, 
and the above statement must be taken in a very general way. 

PREVIOUS CROPS AS A GUIDE FOR FERTILIZ- 
ERS. — The growing of crops for several years in succession is 
bound to rob the soil of the food element demanded by that crop. 
Thus, continuous cropping with wheat removes a larger proportion 
of Phosphoric Acid than of the other elements, and the soil becomes 
deficient in this food. Timothy hay would remove more of the 
Potash than of the two other elements. Corn would take a rela- 
tively large amount of Nitrogen. As with these, so with all 
crops, each taking more of one food element than of the others. 
When an attempt is made to bring land to a richer degree of 
productiveness, and to equalize the proportion of plant foods, 
previous cropping must always be considered. In the above 
statements are found reasons for a rotation of crops. By rotating 
crops, nearly equal quantities of the plant food may be taken 



FERTILIZERS 755 

from the soil, and if the rotation includes such fertilizing crops 
as clover, the lands suffer the least possible from cropping. A 
rational, economical system of fertilization goes hand in hand 
with a well thought out system of rotation, 

THE KIND OF PLANT AS A GUIDE.— Perhaps the 

best guide, as taken alone, as to the kind of fertilizer to be added 
to the land, is the kind of plant to be grown on the land. Thus, 
the grains require much more Phosphoric Acid. But because of 
their great extent of root system, and the structure of their roots, 
they are able to get a larger per cent, of Phosphoric Acid and 
Potash from the soil than can most plants. On the other hand 
they need much Nitrogen early in the season to insure proper 
plant growth. The cereals, therefore, require a well balanced 
ration of plant food. Grasses and all plants grown as forage 
crops need much Nitrogen, since the leaves and stems contain 
large amounts of this element . The clovers, also largely grown 
for their foliage, it must be remembered, take Nitrogen from the 
air and hence need but little in the soil. The clovers need liberal 
applications of Phosphoric Acid and Potash with no Nitrogen. 

FRUIT CROPS.— Fruit trees and plants differ chiefly 
from farm crops in that a much longer period of growth is re- 
quired before the product of the plant appears. Several years 
elapse from setting to bearing. Fruit crops should be provided 
with food compounds that will give a slow and continuous growth 
rather than a rapid one. It can hardly be said which of the ele- 
ments is most necessary — all should be found in abundance. 
There must be no dearth of Potash, while too much Nitrogen 
may do serious damage by stimulating leaf and wood growth at 
the expense of the fruit. 

VEGETABLE AND ROOT CROPS.— The vegetable 
and root crops for most part are grown rapidly to insure high 
quality and tender tissues. In order to accomplish this end they 
must be supplied with an abundance of plant food that is quickly 
available. Nitrogen is the great promoter of leaf and stem 
growth, and is absolutely necessary in large quantities for this 



756 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

class of plants. It can be best supplied by the use of well rotted 
stable manures applied at plowing time, or Nitrate of Soda 
applied to the growing plants in several top dressings. 

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS AS A GUIDE. — There is 

an all to common notion that a system of fertilizing can be based 
upon a chemical analysis of soils to show what elements are 
lacking. Such analysis serve as indications, but are never to 
be taken as absolute guides, and are of no more value in 
indicating a proper system than are the factors hitherto dis- 
cussed. The best guide by far is direct experimentation by the 
farmer himself. Neither the scientist nor the experiment station 
worker can give detailed or absolute advice for a farm not directly 
under his charge. Each farm has conditions peculiar to itself. 
Each crop needs fertilizing peculiar to itself. A system of 
fertilization, then, must be worked out by the farmer himself. 
The only absolute statement that can be made is that the most 
unsatisfactory and the most expensive method of soil fertilization 
is the "hit or miss" system quite too generally practiced. 



SPRAYING 



By U. p. HEDRICK 
Professot ot Horticulture, Michigan State Agricultural College 



Spraying is the art of applying extremely fine particles of 
liquid or dust to cultivated plants in such a way that the 
plants are protected from injurious insects and fungi. The 
practice is a comparatively new one, and it is worth while 
making inquiries as to why it became necessary, and as to 
whether the necessity will continue. 

Sprajdng has become necessar}^ within the last quarter of a 
century because of the changes in the relationship between 
fungi and insects and cultivated plants. Chief of these changes 
are: Native plants have been destroyed in many localities, and 
insects and fungi have been driven from the woods and wilds to 
feed upon the crops of the field, garden and orchard. Again, 
before the advent of fast steamships, insects and fungi could not 
live through the long ocean voyage, and but few were introduced 
from foreign countries. Now, in our commerce, we bring pests 
from all parts of the world, some of which have become our 
very worst enemies. A third reason is that pests have been 
breeding in neglected orchards and gardens for a century, and 
now come forth in countless numbers. Lastly, our methods of 
cultivating plants have changed. Formerly we grew crops of all 
kinds in small and isolated fields. Now farm joins farm and the 
fields are immeasurably larger than they were a generation ago. 
It is easier under present conditions for pests to get from farm to 
farm, and once a foothold is gained they spread more rapidly in 
the large fields, just as smallpox sweeps through the city with 
greater virulency than in the country. 

Thus we can largely account for the great number of kinds 
and number of individuals of insects and diseases now here. 

757 



758 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

There are no reasons why they will not continue a menace to 
the products of the soil and why they will not be re-inforced 
by newcomers in the future. Spraying, then, is an established 
orchard and garden operation, and every successful grower of 
vegetables and fruits must come to practice it. 

The troubles for which the grower of plants must spray may 
be classified under three general heads: 

First — Insects. These injure plants in two ways. They 
may eat parts of plants, as do the caterpillars, beetles and borers; 
or they may use their beaks to suck the juice from plants, as do 
plant lice, scale insects, true bugs and their like. Depredators 
of the first class are killed by applications of poisons with their 
food. Sucking insects do not take poisons with their juicy food, 
and must be killed by destroying their external parts with some 
caustic solution, as lye, kerosene, or whale oil soap. Another 
class of insecticides kills insects of both kinds by filling up the 
breathing pores, thus smothering them ; such substances are 
Buhach Powder, Tobacco, Sulphur and Lime. Both types are some- 
times repelled by noxious materials as Tar, Carbolic Acid and fish 
soaps. Some insects may be trapped, or picked by hand, or 
burned with various devices, or scalded with water, or caught in 
sticky substances. Many remedies have combined in them several 
of the above principles. 

Second — Fungi. Fungi are plants just as truly as are the 
cultivated crops we treat in spraying. They differ chiefly from 
common plants in that they bear no flowers and have no green 
coloring matter in their organs. They feed on living and dead 
organic matter. Rusts, mildews and smuts grow on live organic 
matter, while toadstools, puff balls and molds get their food from 
dead matter. We are concerned with the former and their like 
for the most part. 

Parasitic fungi, those living on growing plants, are charac- 
terized by definite spots, discolorations or excrescences scattered 
over the leaf, fruit or branch. Common parasitic fungi are apple- 
scab, black-knot of the plum and cherry, and the leaf -blight of 
the pear. After a fungus gets into the tissue of a plant it is 
almost impossible to kill it without injuring the plant. Treat- 
ment, therefore, is preventive rather than remedial. To prevent 



SPRAYING 759 



fungi from gaining a foothold on plants we cover the parts exposed 
with a thin film of some substance which kills the spores (the 
reproductive bodies corresponding to seeds) of the fungi. 

Third — Bacteria. Bacteria are small organisms consisting 
of one or several round, rod-shaped, or cork-screw like cells. 
They have no green coloring matter and are either refuse- 
eaters or parasites on plants or animals. Thej^ are found 
everywhere in air and water, and are the cause of most of the 
contagious and infectious diseases of mankind, animals and 
plants, as smallpox, anthrax, pear-blight and probably peach- 
yellows. The difference in appearance between the bacterial and 
fungus troubles of plants is chiefly in that the former are not 
localized in definite spots, but sooner or later the entire plant 
shows disease. There are no specific remedies or preventives for 
the bacterial diseases of plants. The plant grower can practice 
the same kind and degree of sanitation practiced with similar 
troubles of mankind. Thus, all diseased plants should be removed 
and destroyed and all conditions which favor the development of 
bacteria should be avoided. 

The number of specific kinds of insects, fungi and bacteria 
loosely classified above are almost beyond the computation of 
man. To describe even the most important of them is more than 
could be attempted in this treatise. Happily the same sprays, 
applied as the life habits of the pests dictate, may be used for the 
most part on insects and fungi which fall in the same general 
classes. The following are concise directions for making and 
applying those sprays which the accumulated experience of plant 
growers the country over have found most effective. 

INSECTICIDES. — The chief insecticides, spraying sub- 
stances which kill insects, are: For insects that chew, Paris 
Green, White Arsenic and Hellebore; for those that suck the 
juices of plants, Kerosene Emulsion, Lime, Salt and Sulphur, 
Tobacco and Whale Oil Soap. Pyrethum, orBuhach, is valuable 
against both chewing and sucking insects. 

Paris Green. — 

Unslaked Lime 2 pounds. 

Paris Green i pound. 

Water 150-200 gallons. 



76o THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 

Slake the L<ime and while it is slaking stir in the Paris Green. 
Strain the mixture through a coarse sieve and dilute with the 
required amount of water. The stronger mixture is used on 
potatoes and the weaker one for fruits. Paris Green is some- 
times used as a dust spray, either alone or with one hundred 
times its weight of Plaster. London Purple is a substitute for 
Paris Green, but is less likely to be pure and is more likely to 
injure the foliage. 

White Arsenic. — White Arsenic is much cheaper than Paris 
Green, is less likely to be adulterated, and is just as effective. 
It is prepared for spraying as follows: In 2 gallons of water, 
place 2 pounds of freshly-slaked lime and i pound of Arsenic. 
Boil from one-half to three-fourths of an hour. The boiling 
dissolves the Arsenic and enables the two ingredients to 
unite in an insoluble compound. One pound of Arsenic prepared 
above suflaces for 300 gallons of water for fruit trees and 200 
gallons for potatoes. It is very desirable that this mixture be 
used with Bordeaux as a fungicide as well as an insecticide. 

Hellebore. — 

White Hellebore i pound. 

Water 40 gallons. 

White Hellebore is most often used as an internal poison, 
but it also kills by contact. It is best applied as a liquid in the 
above proportions, but can be used in a dust spray by mixing it 
with four times its weight of plaster. Hellebore is especially use- 
ful as a spray when parts of a plant are ready for use, as it quickly 
loses its poisonous qualities. It is the standard remedy for cur- 
rant worms. 

Kerosene Emulsion. — Place 2 gallons of ordinary Kerosene 
in a warm place and allow it to become as warm as possible without 
danger from fire. Boil i pound of laundry or whale oil soap in a 
gallon of soft water until completely dissolved. Remove the soap 
solution from the fire, and while still boiling hot add the Kerosene 
and agitate with a spray pump by forcing the liquid back into the 
vessel from which it was pumped until the oil is emulsified. When 
the liquid is perfectly emulsified it will appear creamy in color, and 
will flow evenly down the side of the vessel. Care should be 



SPRAYING 761 



taken to completely emulsify the oil, and this is accomplished 
much more easily when the mixture is hot. This oil emulsion 
may now be diluted with water and used, or it may be stored 
away for future use. When cold it is like sour milk in appear- 
ance. It should be dissolved in three or four times its bulk of 
hot water before diluting with cold water. If the water is at all 
hard, add a little sal-soda before putting in the soap. In spray- 
ing, dilute with from 3 to 20 times as much water as Kerosene. 

Lime, Salt and Sulphur. — This is a contact insecticide 
which should be used late in the winter, but before the buds 
swell in the spring. If used when foliage is on the tree, the 
foliage will be killed. It is made as follows: 

Stone Lime 15 pounds. 

Flowers of Sulphur 15 " 

Common Salt 15 •' 

Hot Water 50 gallons. 

The Lime is slaked with hot water and the Sulphur is added, 
after which the mixture is boiled, just enough water being used 
to dissolve both Lime and Sulphur. When both are dissolved, 
the liquid should be amber colored and clear. (It should take an 
hour or more of boiling.) Then add the salt and boil again for 
fifteen minutes, or until all is dissolved. Strain, dilute with hot 
water to make 50 gallons, and apply warm through a coarse 
nozzle. This is the standard remedy for San Jose scale. 

Tobacco. — Tobacco, in the form of dust or stems, may be 
obtained from cigar manufacturers. It is useful in destroying 
root-aphis, especially woolly aphis on young trees. It should be 
worked into the ground liberally for root-aphis. Thrown on the 
ground about the roots it repels the stiiped cucumber beetle. It 
will prevent various beetles from depositing eggs, and usually 
keeps the roots of plants free from grubs for this reason. 

A teaspoonful placed on the surface at the base of each 
cal:bage plant when set out will protect it from the cabbage 
maggot. 

A decoction or tea, made from stems, will kill plant lice on 
foliage if applied when the insects first appear. 



762 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

Whale Oil Soap. — This remedy has the advantage of being 
ready made; it requires no preparation other than that of dissolv- 
ing. It may be used in winter or summer. In winter it should 
be put on warm. It costs from 3^ to 5 cents per pound when 
purchased in quantity. For a spray against San Jose scale, or 
any other scale, the insects should be covered by the liquid in the 
early spring if possible, but before the buds begin to swell. 

As a summer spray against plant lice, etc., it is prepared by 
dissolving i pound of the soap in from 4 to six gallons of water. 

Insect Powder, Buhach, Pyrethrum. — This valuable 
remedy has one drawback, namely, high cost. It is too expen- 
sive for use on a large scale. It kills insects but is harmless to 
man and beast. It is the sovereign remedy for fleas; rub it into 
the hair or fur of the infested cat or dog, and blow it on the 
carpet if the house is infested. It will kill many of the insects of 
the garden if dusted on; or it may be made into a tea by boiling 
with water, and diluted to the proportion of i ounce to 2 gallons 
of water. 

It is very effective against flies. Draw the flies into one 
lOom by darkening the rest of the house, and then in the evening 
blow the powder into the air. Sweep the flies into the fire the 
next morning before they recover from the stupefaction caused 
by the Pyrethrum. 

Use this powder when it is undesirable to use poisons, but 
never buy it unless it can be had in tightly sealed packages. It 
loses its strength after a short exposure to the air. 

FUNGICIDES. — It is necessary to recommend but three 
formulas for fungicides, the following being sufl&cient for all 
practical purposes: 

Bordeaux Mixture. — 

Copper Sulphate 4 pounds. 

Quick Lime 4 " 

Water 40 gallons. 

Dissolve the Copper Sulphate in a barrel by suspending it 
in a basket. Use 10 gallons of water. Slowly slake the Lime, 
which must be of good quality and not at all air-slaked. Add 



SPRAYING 763 



10 gallons of water to the slaked Lime. Then mix the two in a 
third receptacle, pail by pail, taking care that the water is cold, 
and add the remainder of 40 gallons of water. The above direc- 
tions should be carefully followed to obtain the best results. 

For the large orchards stock solutions are made by dissolving 
40 pounds of the Sulphate in as many gallons of water. Slake 
40 pounds or more of Lime in a box. As needed for spraying 
take as many gallons of the Copper Sulphate solution as are 
required, remembering that there is one pound of the chemical in 
each gallon of water. Dilute this solution with the required 
amount of water in the tank or barrel of the spraying outfit, 
and then add the prepared Lime, estimating as closely as possible 
the correct weight. To make sure that sufficient Lime has been 
added, test as follows: 

Insert a clean, well-scoured knife blade in the solution. 
Copper will be deposited on the blade if there is not sufficient 
Lime. Or, blow the breath on a saucer full of the mixture; a 
film of Carbonate of Lime will form on the surface of the liquid 
if sufficient Lime has been added. 

Copper Sulphate Solution. — 

Copper Sulphate i pound. 

Water 25 to 50 gallons. 

This is a cheap, simple, effective winter and early spring 
spray. Its effect on fungi is the same as is that of Bordeaux 
mixture, though it is not as lasting. It has the great merit of 
being easy to prepare and to apply. It is obvious that it should 
never be applied to any plant when the leaves are out. This 
solution is especially useful as a preventive of leaf-curl of the 
peach. 

Used at the rate of i pound to 300 gallons of water, this 
solution is most excellent when fruits are nearing their ripening 
period in place of Bordeaux mixture, which would discolor them. 

Potassium Sulphate. — 

Potassium Sulphate 3 ounces. 

Water 10 gallons. 

This formula is much used for gooseberry mildew, for which 

it is more effective than Bordeaux mixture. It is not poisonous 

and does not discolor the fruit. 



764 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



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766 THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 

HINTS ON SPRAYING.— 

First. — It is never necessary to spray when plants are in 
bloom, and it should never be done, as bees and other beneficial 
insects are thus poisoned. Fruit blossoms are not well cross- 
pollinated without large numbers of bees or other like insects. 

Second. — A tree is well sprayed only when it is wet all over 
from tip to roots. On the other hand all drip is clear waste. 

Third. — The time to spray and the number of applications 
depends upon each particular case. The conditions that affect 
spraying most are rainfall, prevalence of pests, varieties and 
value of crops. 

Fozirtk. — The fruit grower must know exactly what he wants 
to kill and how to kill it. Therefore, the more he knows of the 
life habits of pests the better he is able to combat them. 

Fifik. — Apples, pears, plums, peaches and grapes should be 
sprayed every year. Other fruits should be sprayed only when 
signs of pests or of their coming are apparent. Spraying is to an 
orchard what insurance is to a householder; it is more, since 
spraying always does some good. 

Sixth. — There is no danger in eating fruits properly sprayed 
with Paris Green or other Arsenites. The quantity of the poison 
applied is too minute, and it is mostly washed out before fruits are 
edible. Animals are never poisoned by eating the pasturage 
under properly sprayed trees. 

Seventh. — Fruit trees are often injured by Bordeaux mixture 
in wet weather. The rainwater sets free an acid which burns 
fruit and foliage. An excess of lime in the mixture prevents 
such burning. 

THE SPRAYING OUTFIT.— A good spraying outfi- 
consists of a round bottom tank holding three hundred gallons, best 
mounted on a handy wagon, to hold the spraying solution. A 
barrel can take the place of a tank for a small orchard. Mounted 
on the tank or barrel should be a pump of good pattern, having 
sufficient power to supply two runs of hose. The hose must be 
of best quality and preferably should be Ys of an inch in 



SPRAYING 767 



diameter. Each run of hose should supply a double nozzle of 
approved style. A ten foot extension rod is necessary to get the 
nozzle up into the branches, and for very high trees a steeple 
platform on the tank is a valuable adjunct. 

The essentials of a good spray pump are: That it be durable; 
that it work with ease; that the parts be easily gotten at for 
cleaning or repairing; that it be compact and that it have an 
efficient agitator. To secure the first end the pump must be 
made of brass. Iron is rusted or eaten by almost all spraying 
mixtures. To secure ease the pump should be one of the vertical 
rather than of the horizontal type. Agitators that paddle up and 
down with the movement of the pump handle are better than 
those that rotate. In the garden the bucket pump is better than 
the knapsack sprayer. 

The nozzle is an all important part of the spraying outfit. 
The style of the nozzle depends largely upon the work that is to 
be done. It is essential that the spray reach the tree in the shape 
of a very fine mist or fog. A good nozzle must carry a stream 
for some distance and then cause it to break up into a mist. Of 
the hundreds of nozzles, the Cyclone is admitted to be the best 
for short range, as for use on small fruits and vegetables. While 
the Vermorel, or some of its modifications, is the best for long 
range. Double, triple and quadruple nozzles now take the 
place of the old single ones. 

No matter what the nozzle, it must be lifted up into the 
branches. For this purpose a bamboo extension rod lined with a 
3^ inch brass tube is the best. At the lower end of the rod is a 
stop-cock and a hose connection; at the upper end is the nozzle or 
cluster of nozzles. Extension rods vary from eight to twenty 
feet in length. Long rods come in sections. 

In conclusion it may be said that man's power over the tiny 
organisms which destroy the plants we cultivate never has been 
as great as it is at the present time. Spraying has put this power 
in our hands. Spraying as a practice is founded on careful 
investigations by scientists, and upon the accumulated experience 
of all our best plant growers, and it is now as firmly established 
as is any other farm or orchard operation. 



DICTIONARY OF TECHNICAL AND OTHER 
TERMS IN COMMON USE 



It has been the aim of all concerned in the publication of this 
book to make all statements as free as possible from technical 
and uncommon words, but occasionally one's mind needs to be 
refreshed as to the meaning of a word in the book, or the owner 
of a copy may hear a term used in connection with animal dis- 
eases, which he does not understand. To help the subscriber in such 
a case, this dictionary is added. 



Abdomen — The belly ; that part of the 
body containing the stomach and 
intestines. 

Ablactation — A weaning or cessation 
from suckling. 

Abomasum— The last or fourth stom- 
ach of animals that chew the cud. 

Abortion — Expulsion of the foetus be- 
fore it is capable of sustaining life. 

Abrade — To rub off, as a piece of skin. 

Abscess— A swelling and its cavity 
containing pus or matter. 

Abscission— The cutting away or re- 
moval of a part. 

Absorb — To swallow up; to drink in; 
to cause to be removed. 

Absorbent — In anatomy, one of those 
vessels which imbibes or takes up, 
as the lacteals or lymphatics. In 
medicine, any substance, as chalk, 
or magnesia, used to absorb acid- 
ity of the stomach; or any sub- 
stance applied to a wound to take 
up the discharge. 

Accelerate — Growing quicker and 
faster, as an accelerated pulse. 

Acetabulum — The bony cup which 
receives the head of the thigh 
bone. 

Acid— Sour. The last fermentation 
before the putrid. 

Acme — The top, or highest point. 

Acrid — Pungent, irritating. 

Acute — Sharp, severe- an acute dis- 
ease is severe, and peedily comes 
to a crisis. 



Adamantine Substance — The enamel 
of the teeth. 

Adenitis — Inflammation of the glands. 

Adhesion— A joining together, as the 
union of parts in healing. 

Adipose — Fatty matter; belonging to 
fat. 

Adventitious — Accidental; acquired, 
as diseases. 

Aerate — Mixing with air, as the blood 
in the lungs, by which it absorbs 
oxygen. 

Aetiology — Relating to the cause of 
disease. 

Affection — Disease, or disease of some 
particular part. 

Affinity — The attraction which causes 
bodies to adhere and form com- 
pounds. That which causes to co- 
here. 

Affluence — Determination of blood, or 
of humors, to a part. 

Albumen — Substances, animal and 
vegetable, resembling the white of 
an egg. 

Albumenuna-That condition in which 
the urine contains albumen, and an 
excess of urea, coagulable by nitric 
acid and heat. 

Aliment -Any kind of food. 

Alimentary Canal — The canal extend- 
ing from the mouth to the anus, 
through which the food passes. 

Alkali — Any substance that will neu- 
tralize an acid, as magnesia, soda, 
potash, etc. 

768 



DICTIONARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS 



769 



Alterative — A medicine that gradually 
induces a change. 

Alveolar Processes — That part of the 
jaw that contains the sockets of the 
teeth. 

Amaurosis — A loss of sight from loss 
of power of the optic nerve. 

.Amnion — A membrane enveloping the 
foetus and the liquid. 

Amyloids — Foods composed of carbon 
and hydrogen, as sugar and starch. 

Anaemia — A morbid condition of the 
blood, in which it is deficient in 
quantity or in quality. 

Anasarca — Dropsy of the limbs, abdo- 
men, chest, etc. 

Anaesthetic— That which produces in- 
sensibilit}- to pain. 

Analysis — Separation into parts; re- 
solving into original elements. 

Anatomy — The science of the struc- 
ture of the body. 

Anchylosis — The stiffening, or unit- 
ing rigidly the parts of a joint. 

Animalcule — An animal that is invis- 
ible, or nearly so, to the naked eye. 

Anodyne — A medicine that allays, or 
diminishes, pain. 

Antacid — A remedy for acidity, as an 
alkali. 

Anterior — Before; in front of another 
part 

Anthelmintic — A remedy to destroy, 
or expel, worms; a vermifuge. 

Antidote — A remedy to counteract the 
effects of a poison; that which 
counteracts hurtful, or noxious, 
substances. 

Antiperiodic— Medicine to arrest, or 
retard, the return of a paroxysm in 
a periodic disease. 

Antiseptic — An agent for preventing, 
arresting, or retarding putrefaction. 

Antispasmodic — A remedy which re- 
lieves spasms. 

Anus — The posterior opening of the 
alimentary tract. 

Aorta — The first great artery to leave 
the heart. 

Aperient — Laxative medicine; that 
which gently operates on the 
bowels. 



Aphtha — Ulceration of the mouth, be- 
ginning with minute blisters, and 
ending in a white slough. 

Apoplexy — Sudden effusion of blood 
into the substance of the brain. 

Aqueous — Watery; having the prop- 
erty of water, as waf^ry matter, 
aqueous pus. 

Arachnoid — A thin membrane cover- 
ing the brain. 

Areolar Tissue — A network of deli- 
cate fibres spread over the body. 

Artery — One of the blood vessels 
^^ch carries the red blood from 

Articulate—Joining, working together, 
or upon one another, as the bones. 

Asphyxia — Apparent death, or su?- 
pended animation. Death frori 
want of air. 

Assimilate — To make like anothe •; 
assimilation of food in the nutrition 
of the body. 

Asthma — A disease attended with dif- 
ficulty of breathing, and a sensa- 
tion producing wheezing, cough- 
ing, and other distressing symp- 
toms. 

Astragalus — The largest bone com- 
posing the hock joint, lying in fron' 
of another called os calcis. 

Astringent — That which binds or coo • 
tracts. Astringent medicines con 
tract the tissues and suppress dis- 
charges, as from the bowels, blood, 
or mucus. 

Atlas — The first bone of the neck, or 
first cervical vertebra. 

Attenuate — To draw out, to make 
thin, to reduce in size, or strength. 

Atrophy — A wasting away from lack 
of nourishment. 

Auricle — The external part of the ear; 
also parts of the heart, one on each 
side resembling ears. 

Auscultation — A method of distin- 
guishing diseases, especially those 
of the chest, by listening to the 
sounds made by the 'ungs and 
heart. 



770 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Bars— (Of the hoof).— The two ridges 
of horn, passing from the heels of 
the hoof toward the toe of the frog. 
(Of the mouth). The transverse 
ridges on the roof of the mouth of 
the horse. 

Bicipital — Two-headed, as biceps 
muscles, bicipital groove, etc. 

Bile— A bitter, yellow, or greenish 
fluid, secreted by the liver. 

Biliary— Pertaining to bile. Biliary 
duct, a canal containing bile. 

Biology— The science of life, or of 
living bodies. 

Biped— Two-footed, as man. 

Bisect — To divide into two equal parts. 

Bistoury — A small cutting knife. 

Blood Serum — The yellow serum that 
is left after the coagulation of the 
blood. 

Bolus— A large pill . Medicine formed 
in a round, or cylindric, shape, and 
often called a ball. The cylinder 
shape is best. 

Boot— A buffer, a leather band, worn 
to prevent one foot cutting the 
other when traveling. 

Bougie — An instrument for opening 
the urethra, or urinary, or other 
passages. 

Breeding-in-and-in — Breeding to close 
relations, in the same sub-family, 
as the produce of the same sire but 
different dams, or of the same sire 
and dam. 

Bronchi — First two branches of the 
windpipe. Bronchitis is the in- 
flammation of the bronchia. 

Broxy — Term applied to a number of 
fatal diseases of sheep, especially to 
a form of anthrax or carbuncular 
fever. 

Cadaverous— Having the appearance 
of a dead body. ( From the Latin 
cadaver, a corpse. ) 

Caesarian Operation — The cutting in- 
to the abdomen and womb to bring 
away the foetus, when natural de- 
livery cannot be accomplished. 

Calcareous — Containing lime, lime- 
like. 



Calculus — Stones formed by the de- 
posit of solid matter in any part of 
the body. 

Calks or Calkins— The heel of the 
horseshoe when turned down to 
prevent slipping; also wounds made 
by the calks. 

Callous — Induration; a hard deposit; 
an excess of bony matter 

Canal — A tube or passage, as the ali- 
mentary canal. 

Canine Teeth— The teeth between the 
lateral incisors and the small molars 
of the jaw^. 

Canker — Any sore that eats or coi- 
rodes, as eroding ulcers of the 
mouth. 

Cannon-bone — The bone below tne 
knee and the hock. 

Canula — A hollow tube of metal or 
other substance, used especially 
with the trocar when tapping cav- 
ities, to draw off water or gas. 

Cantharis (plural, Cantharides)— A 
winged insect or beetle, used for 
blistering; Spanish flies. 

Capillary — Hair-like; a term applied 
to the minute branchings of the 
blood vessels. The capillary ves- 
sels connect the veins and the 
arteries. 

Capsular Ligaments— The ligaments 
surrounding the joints. 

Capsule — A membranous bag or sac. 

Carbon — An elementary substance 
forming the base of charcoal, which 
is impure carbon. The diamond 
is pure carbon. Carbonic Acid gas 
is expelled from the lungs in 
breathing. 

Carminatives — Warming, stimulating 
and aromatic medicines which tend 
to expel wind, or to remedy colic 
or flatulencies. 

Carotid Arteries — The great arteries 
of the side of the neck. 

Cartilage — Gristle. — The substance 
covering the ends of the bones 
moving and working upon each 
other. 

Caseine — The curd or coagulable part 
of milk; the basis of cheese. 



DICTIONARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS 



771 



Castrate — To geld, emasculate; to 
deprive of testicles. 

Catarrh — An inflammation or conges- 
tion of any mucous membrane; a 
cold attended with running of the 
nose. 

Cataract — An opacity of the crystal- 
ine lens of the eye, causing partial 
or total blindness. 

Cathartic — A purgative medicine, used 
for freely opening the bowels. 

Catheter — An instrument used for 
drawing the water from the bladder. 

Caustic — A substance which burns or 
destroys tissue, as Caustic Potash, 
and Nitrate of Silver. 

Cauterization — Searing with a hot 
iron, or with Caustic medicines. 

Cellular Tissue — The membrane, or 
tissue, which invests every fibre of 
the body, composed of minute cells 
communicating with each other, 
and which serves as reservoirs for 
fat. 

Cephalic — Pertaining to the head. 

Cerebral — Pertaining to the brain. 
Cerebellum, the smaller and lower 
brain. Cerebrum, the upper and 
larger brain. 

Cervical — Belonging to the neck. 

Characteristic — That which is pecu- 
liar to a thing, or distinguishes it 
from another. 

Cholagogue— A medicine that increases 
the secretion of bile. 

Chronditis — Inflammation of the car- 
tilages. 

Choroiditis — Inflammation of the 
choroid coat of the eye. 

Chronic — A lingering, long-standing 
disease, succeeding the acute stage. 

Chyle — The milky liquid food, as it is 
found in the intestines during 
digestion, and prepared from the 
chyme, and ready to be absorbed 
by the lacteal vessels before being 
poured forth into the blood. 

Chyme — The food as modified and 
prepared by the action of the 
stomach. 

Cicatrix — A scar left after the healing 
of a wound, or ulcer. 



Cilia— Small hairs. 

Circulation— The vital action which 
sends the blood through the arter- 
ies and back again through the 
veins to the heart. 

Clyster — Liquid medicine injected into 
the lower intestine. 

Coagulate — To change to a curd-like 
state; to thicken, or harden. 

Coffin-bone — The lower bone of the 
leg encased in the hoof. 

Collapse — A falling together. A clos- 
ing of vessels. Extreme depression 
of vital powers. 

Colon — The largest division of the 
intestinal canal. 

Coma— Lethargy. Drowsiness pro- 
duced by depression of the brain. 

Conception — The beginning of preg- 
nancy; fecundation by the act of 
the male. 

Concretion— A mass formed by the 
union of separate particles into one 
body. 

Condiment — Substances used to im- 
prove, or heighten, the flavor of 
food. 

Congenital — Born with another; of the 
same birth. Belonging to the in- 
dividual from birth. 

Confluent — Flowing together ; run- 
ning one into another. 

Congestion~An accumulation of blood 
in any part of the body, as the 
lungs, brain, etc. 

Conjunctiva— The membrane that lines 
the eyelids and covers the outer 
surface of the eyeball. 

Constriction — Drawing, or binding, 

together, as constriction of the 

muscles of any part. 
Constipation — An unnatural detention 

of the fecal matter of the bowels; 

costiveness. 
Contagion — The transmission of a 

disease by direct, or by indirect, 

contact. 

Contorted — Twisted, twisting, writh- 
ing, as the body in pain, or from 
the result of disease. 

Contusion — A bruise; a wound made 
by a blow, or a bruise. 



772 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Convoluted — Rolled together, or upon 
itself. The cerebrum is convoluted. 

Cornea — A transparent covering of the 
front of the eye. 

Coronet — The upper part of the hoof, 
just where it joins the skin. 

Corrosive — That which eats away, 
destroying the texture of the living 
body. 

Costal — Belonging to the ribs. From 
Cosla, a rib. 

Counter Irritation. — An application 
to irritate one part of the body to 
relieve pain in another. A blister, 
or mustard poultice, produces 
counter-irritation . 

Cranium — The skull. Cranial; per- 
taining to the skull. 

Crepitation — Term applied to the 
noise made by the ends of frac- 
tured bones, when they grate to- 
gether. Also the sound produced 
by pressing together cellular tissue 
in which air is contained. 

Cribbing (of Horses) — The act of 
seizing any hard substance, or pres- 
sing thereon with the teeth, and 
gulping; sometimes called wind- 
sucking, though the latter is not 
necessarily cribbing. 

Croup or Crupper — The top of the 
hips of a horse; also the strap of 
leather going under the tail. 

Cul-de-sac — A passage closed at one 
end. 

Curb — A soft swelling becoming hard, 
situated on the back part of the 
hind leg, just below the point of 
the hock. 

Cutaneous — Pertaining to the skin. 
Cuticle, the epidermis or scurf 
skin. 

Cyst, Cystis — A small bladder or sac; 
applied to those containing morbid 
matter or parasites, which become 
encysted or enclosed in an envel- 
ope. 

Cystitis — Inflammation of the bladder. 

Decoction — An extract prepared by 
boiling something in water. 

Defecation — Purifying from impuri- 
ties of foreign matter. The voiding 
of excrement from the body. 



Deglutition — The act of swallowing. 
Power of swallowing. 

Dejection— In medicine; the act of 
voiding excrement; the excrement 
voided. 

Degenerate — To grow worse or in- 
ferior. 

Deleterious — That which is destruct- 
ive or poisonous. 

Delirious — Insanity; a wandering of 
mind in disease. 

Deliquescent — The act of becoming 
liquid by attracting moisture from 
the air. 

Demulcent — A liquid or substance that 
is of a mucilaginous nature, and is 
thought to protect the tissues from 
the action of acrid or irritant sub- 
stances. 

Dens — A tooth. Dental, pertaining 
to teeth. Dentition, the develop- 
ment of teeth. 

Deodorizer — A substance that destroys 
bad odors. 

Depletion — The act of emptying. A 
condition of exhaustion. 

Dermal — Pertaining to the skin, 

Dessicate — To dry up. 

Desquamation — A scaling off of the 
skin. 

Diabetes — An excessive flow of urine. 
A flow of urine containing saccha- 
rine matter. 

Diagnosis — The distinguishing of one 
disease from another. 

Diaphoretic — A medicine that causes 
perspiration, or sweating. 

Diaphragm — The midriff. The mem- 
brane, or broad miiscle that sepa- 
rates the thorax, or chest, from the 
abdomen, or belly. 

Diathesis — Peculiarity of constitution. 

Diffuse — To extend, or drive out. That 
which may flow or spread, as a dif- 
fusible stimnlant. 

Dilate — To open wide, as the eye. 

Dilitation — The expansion of a body 
from over-fullness. 

Dilute — To make thin, as medicine 
with water, with oil, etc. 



DICTIONARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS 



773 



Diminution — A lessening, or decreas- 
ing, as of pain, etc. 
Disinfection — The act of freeing from 

infectious matter. 
Dislocation — Putting out of joint. 
Dissection — Exposing the different 

parts of a dead body, in order to 

study structure and arrangement. 
Distorted— Deformed, crooked, out of 

the natural shape. 
Distend — To stretch out, or swell. 
Diuretic — A medicine that increases 

the flow of urine. 
Dorsal — Pertaining to the back. The 

dorsal column; the back bone. 
Douche — Dashes or jets of water or 

vapor directed to some diseased 

part. 
Dram or Drachm— The eighth part of 

an ounce. 
Drench — Liquid medicines given by 

the mouth. 
Duct — A tube or vessel for conveying 

a fluid or the secretions of the 

glands. 
Duodenum — The first portion of the 

small intestines, into which the 

bile is poured. 
Dura Mater — Thick fibrous membrane 

lining the ca\-ity of the skull. 
Dysuria — Painful and incomplete pas- 
sage of urine. 

Ecbolics — Agents that cause contrac- 
tion of the womb. 

Ectozoon — Parasites, as lice, infesting 

surface of the body. 
Ecraseur — An instrument used in sur- 
gery, especially in castration. 

EfHuvia — Morbid exhalations of the 
body; sometimes applied to animal 
and vegetable odors. 

Effusion — The pouring out of blood or 
other fluids from the proper vessels 
into the cellular tissue or into a 
cavity. 

Ejection— Casting out, as ejecting 
improper matters from the stomach. 

Eliminate — To discharge or expel. 

Emasculation — Removal of the male 
generative organs; castration. 



Embryo— The impregnated ovum in 
the womb, after its growth has be- 
gun. 

Emetic— A medicine given to induce 
vomiting. 

Emollient — Softening or relaxing. 

Encysted — Enclosed in a sac. 

Endocardium — The lining membrane 
of the heart. 

Enema- Medicines given by injection 
into the rectum. 

Enteric— Belonging to the bowels. 
Enteritis is inflammation of the 
bowels. 

Entozoa — Parasites within the body. 

Epidemic — A disease that affects a 
large number, as though carried 
through the air, and in which the 
death rate is high. 

Epiglottis — The covering of the glot- 
tis. A tongue-shaped projection to 
prevent food or liquids from enter- 
ing the windpipe. 

Epithelium — The thin covering upon 
the lips, nipples, mucous, and serous 
membranes; the lining of the blood 
vessels and other canals. 

Epizootic — A contagious disease, at- 
tacking a large number of animals 
at once. Applied to catarrhal fever 
or influenza, which spreads rapidly. 

Equine — Belonging to the horse. 

Esophagus — Oesophagus —The gul- 
let, or tube of the throat which con- 
veys food to the stomach. 

Evacuate — To empty, or pass out, as 
to evacuate the bowels. 

Excision — The cutting out, or cutting 
off, any part. 

Excoriate — To remove the skin in 
part; to rub and gall, or break the 
skin; to abrade. 

Excrement— Refuse matter; the dung. 

Excrescence — An unnatural or super- 
fluous growth. 

Excretion — The act of throwing off 
effete matter from the animal sys- 
tem. That which is thus thrown off. 

Exhalation — A breathing out, as the 
air from the lungs. 

Exostosis — An unnatural growth, or 
projection of bone. 



774 



THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



Expectorant — A medicine that pro- 
motes discharge from the kings or 
throat. 

Extensor -tendons — The tendons 
which stretch out the limbs. 

Extirpation — The complete removal 
of a part with a knife. 

Extravasate — To let out of the proper 
vessel, as the blood, after the rup- 
ture of a blood vessel. 

Exudate — A sweating, or passing out 
of a liquid through the walls or 
membranes containing it. The 
liquid after it is passed out. 

Facial— Pertaining to the face. 

Feces — The excrement from the intes- 
tines. 

Febrifuge — A medicine that lowers 
the temperature of the body, and 
counteracts fever. 

Febrile — Pertaining to fever. 

Feculent — Foul or impure matter, 
formed by the breaking down of 
the tissues; excrementitious matter. 

Femur — The thigh-bone proper. 

Fermentation — A change brought 
about by a process of decompo- 
sition. 

Fetid — Ha\4ng an offensive odor. 

Fibrin — An organic substance found 
in the blood, which causes it to clot. 

Fibrous Tissue — Connective tissue, 
composed chiefly of white inelastic, 
or yellow elastic fibers. 

Fibula — The small, or splinter bone 
of the leg, attached to the outer 
side of the tibia. 

Fistula — A deep, narrow ulcer, having 
a passage leading to it, with a con- 
stant discharge. 

Flanks — That part of the horse be- 
tween the false ribs, hips, and stifle. 

Flatulent — Generating, or tending to 
generate, wind in the stomach and 
intestines. 

Flexor — A muscle whose office is to 
bend a part. In apposition to ex- 
tensor. 

FcEtus — The young unborn. 

Fomentations — Local applications of 
cloths wrung out in hot or cold 
water. 



Foramen — A hole passing through; 

applied to holes in bone; also other 

tissues. 
Fumigate — To apply smoke or vapor. 
Function — The office or duty of any 

part of the body. 
Fundament — The anus or extremity of 

the bowel. The end of the gut. 
Fundus — The bottom or base of any 

organ. 
Fungus — A spongy growth resembling 

mushrooms. 

Gall — The fluid contained in the gall- 
bladder, consisting principally of 
the bile secreted by the liver. 

Ganglion — A bunch of nerve fibers, 
causing the enlargement of a nerve, 
and resembling a knot. A nerve 
center. 

Gangrene — Death of a part of the 
body, or of any portion of its tis- 
sues. 

Gastric — Pertaining to the stomach. 
Gastritis, inflammation of the 
stomach. 

Gelatine — Animal jelly. Gelatinous: 
jelly-like. 

Generate — To beget offspring; beget- 
ting or producing young; breed- 
ing. 

Genitals — The organs of reproduction 
or generation. 

Gland — A structure for secreting cer- 
tain fluids of the body, and con- 
taining a tube. 

Glans^The head of the penis. 

Gestation — The condition of pregnacy, 
or being with young. 

Gleet — Thin matter issuing from an 
ulcer. In horses, applied to nasal 
gleet almost exclusively. 

Glottis — The narrow opening at the 
top of the windpipe. 

Graminivorous — Feeding on grasses 
and other vegetable food. 

Graniverous — Feeding on grain and 
other seeds. 

Granulate — To grow or develop in the 
form of grain, as new flesh in the 
healing of a wound. 



DICTIONARY OF TECHNICAI. TERMS 



775 



Gravel — Calculous matter found in the 
kidneys or bladder. 

Gravid~The state of being with young. 

Groin — The oblique depression be- 
tween the abdomen and thigh. 

Haunch — That part of the body that 
lies between the last ribs and the 
thigh. In the horse, the bony 
region of the hips. 

Haw — The process of the e5^e socket, 
which is thrown over the eye to 
clear it of foreign substances. 

Haematin — The coloring matter of the 
blood. 

Heir.Iplegia — Paralysis, affecting one 
side of the body. 

Hemorrhage — A discharge of blood 
from the vessel containing it; bleed- 
ing. 

Hepatic — Belonging to the liver. 
Hepatitis: inflammation of the 
liver. 

Herbivorous — Feeding on herbs. 

Hereditary — Transmitted from parent 
to offspring. 

Hernia — Rupture, or soft tumor, 
formed by the protrusion of any 
internal part through a natural or 
accidental opening in the enclosing 
membrane. 

Humor— Any fluid of the body, excep- 
ting the blood. 

Humerus — The upper bone of the fore 
leg. 

Hybrid — The offspring of two different 
species of animals, as of the horse 
and the ass — the mule. 

Hydrocephalus — Water in (dropsy of) 
the head. 

Hygiene — The preservation of health 
and prevention of disease. 

Hymen — The fold of mucous mem- 
brane between the vulva and the 
vagina. 

Hyperaemia — A superabundance, or 
congestion of blood in any part of 
the body. 

Hypertrophy — Excessive growth; en- 
largement; thickening. 

Hypodermic — Beneath the skin. Used 
principall}' of medicines — as mor- 
phia, etc., applied by injection 
under the skin. 



Ileum — The lower part of the small 

intestine. 
Ilium — The flank bone, which in the 

foetus, i» distinct from the other hip 

bones. 
Impregnation — The act of rendering, 

or state of being, pregnant. 
Incision — The act of cutting, as in 

an operation. 
Incisors — The front teeth of the jaws. 
Incontinence— Inability to retain the 

natural evacuations. 
Induration — The hardening of a part 

from the effects of disease. 
Infection — Communicating disease by 

germs. 
Infusion — Liquid produced by steep- 
ing insoluble substances in water 

without boiling. 

Inhalation — A drawing into the lungs; 
the inbreathing of medicated or 

poisonous fumes. 

Injection — Liquid medicines thrown 
into a natural or artificial cavity. 
Usually with a syringe. 

Inoculation — The production of dis- 
ease by virus or matter from a sore, 
communicated from one animal to 
another. 

Instinct — Sense, as applied to animals. 

Integument — The covering which in- 
vests the body (the skin), or a 
membrane covering any particular 
part of it. 

Intercostal — Between the ribs. 
Intermittent — Coming and going at 
intervals. 

Interstice — A small space between the 
particles of a body. 

Intussusception — The slipping of the 
upper part of the small intestines 
into the lower. 

Iris — The circular membrane of the 
eye, which gives the eye its color, 
and perforated to form the pupil. 

Jejunum — The middle di\-ision of the 
small intestine, or that portion be- 
tween the duodenum and the ileum. 

Jugular Vein — The large vein of the 
neck. 



77^ 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Labial — Belonging to, or pertaining to, 
lips. 

Lacerate — To tear. A lacerated wound 
is a torn wound. 

Lachrymal — Pertaining to tears. The 
lachrymal duct is the one leading 
from the nose to the eyes. 

Lactation — The act of giving suck, or 
time of suckling. 

Lacteals — The lymphatic vessels of 
the intestines. 

Lactic Acid — The acid of sour milk. 

Lamella — A thin plate or scale; per- 
taining to the anatomy of the foot. 

Laminitis — Founder; an inflammation 
of the sensitive parts between the 
pedal or coffin-bone and the hoof. 

Larynx — The enlarged upper portion 
of the ■windpipe, and extending 
into the throat. Laryngitis: in- 
flammation of the larynx. 

Lateral — At, or to, one side. 

Lesion — Any hurt or injury. 

Levator — A general name for a muscle 
whose office is to raise some part, 
as the lip or eyelid. 

Ligaments — The bands which bind 
the bones together at the joints. 

Ligature — Silk or flax thread, or any 
material suitable for tying arteries. 
Also a bandage used to stop bleed- 
ing. 

Liquefaction — The act or process of 
reducing a solid to a liquid form. 

Lithotomy — The operation of extract- 
ing a stone from the bladder. 

Lobe — A round, projecting part of any 
organ, as of the lungs and liver. 

Loin — That portion of the body be- 
tween the hip-bone and ribs. 

Lotion— Fluid applied externally, usu- 
ally by means of a cloth kept con- 
stantly wet therewith. Liniments 
are applied externally, but with 
rubbing. 

Lumbago — Rheumatism of the lumbar 
region of the back. 

Lymph — A transparent and nearly 
colorless fluid, found in the lym- 
phatic vessels. 



Macerate — To soften and separate the 
parts of, by steeping, as in a fluid, 
or by the digestive process. 

Malady — Disease, or ailment. 

Malar — Pertaining to the cheek-bone. 

Malformation — Badly, or unnaturally, 
shaped, or formed. 

Malignant— Severe. Tending to pro- 
duce death. 

Mallenders — An eczematous condition 
occurring in the flexures of the 
knee-joints, causing dryness and 
scurfiness of the part. 

Mammals — Havingan udder, or teats, 
for suckling the young. 

Mammary Glands — The glands which 
secrete the miik. 

Manipulation — The act of treating, 
working, or operating with the 
hand. 

Massage — Kneading and rubbing the 
flesh with the hands. 

Mastication — The act of chewing the 
food. 

Materia Medica — A term including 
all medicines, or substances, used 
in the cure of disease. 

Maxilla — The upper, or lower, jaw. 

Meatus — Canal, or passage. 

Mediastinum — The partition formed 
by the meeting of the pleura, divid- 
ing the chest into two lateral parts, 
and separating the lungs. 

Medullary — Consisting of, resembling, 
or pertaining to, marrow. 

Membrane — A thin, sheet-like struc- 
ture, usually fibrous, covering, or 
lining, some part, or organ. 

Mesentery — The fold, or membrane, 
which attaches the intestines to the 
spine. 

Metastasis — The transference of dis- 
ease from one part to another. 

Miasma — The product of animal or 
vegetable putrefaction, causing dis- 
ease. 

Midriff — The diaphragm. 

Milk Fever — A disease affecting cows 
soon alter parturition. 

Molecule — The smallest portion of 
matter which can exist alone. 



DICTIONARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS 



777 



Morbid — A state of disease; the pro- 
duct or result of an unnatural state, 
as morbid humors. 

Mortification — The death of a part 
from gangrene. 

Motor — That which causes, or is the 
instrument of, movement; as the 
motor muscles. 

Mucus — A mucilaginous fluid found 
on the surface of certain mem- 
branes, which keeps them soft and 
pliable. 

Naevus — A natural mark or blemish; 

a birth-mark. 
Narcotics — Drugs which allay pain 

and produce sleep, but first produce 

excitement. 
Nasal — Pertaining to the nose. 
Nausea — Any sickness of the stomach 

with inclination to vomit. 
Necrosis — Death of a bone, or a por- 
tion of a bone. 
Neuralgia— A painful affection that is 

seated in the nerves, especially of 

the face. 
Neurotomy — The cutting or division 

of a nerve. 
Neutralize — To destroy the force or 

effect of anything. 

Nutritive — Tending to nourish or 
build up. Nutrition: that which 
nourishes. 

Ocular — Relating to the eyes. 
Oedema — Effusion of serous fluid into 

the cellular tissues, producing 

swelling. 
Omentum — The Caul — A fold of the 

peritoneum membrane covering the 

intestines in front and attached to 

the stomach. 

Opacity — Want of transparency; that 
quality of bodies, by which they 
cannot transmit the rays of light. 

Optic — Pertaining to sight, as the 
optic nerve; relating to the laws of 
vision. 

Orbit — In ocular anatomy, the bony 
cavity in which the eye is situated. 

Organic — Composed of, or pertaining 
to an organ, or its function; de- 
pendent on, or resulting from, 
organism. 



Orifice — The mouth or entrance to any 

cavity of the body. 
Os — The technical name for a bone. 
Osseous: resembling bone; bony. 
Ossification : changing to bone. 
Ostalgia — Pain in one or some of the 

bones. 
Os uteri — The mouth of the womb. 

Ovariotomy — The operation of remov- 
ing the ovaries from the female 
animal; spaying — analogous to the 
gelding of the male. 

Ovaries — The organs connected with 
the uterus that mature and give off 
the ova (eggs), which, when im- 
pregnated by the male, produces 
the fcetus. 

Oxygen — The life-supporting element 
of the air, and constituting a little 
more than one-fifth of it. With 
nitrogen and argon it forms air; 
with hydrogen it forms water. 

Ozcena — Nasal gleet; catarrh. 

Palate — The roof of the mouth. 

Palpitation— A rapid, thumping, move- 
ment of the heart, from mental 
excitement, or Irom disease. 

Papillae— Small, nipple-shaned prom- 
inences found on the tongue and 
skin. 

Pancreas — The narrow, flat gland ex- 
tending along the duodenum, some- 
times called the "sweet-bread." 

Paralysis — An affection impairing, or 
destroj'ing, the natural function, 
especially the voluntary movement, 
of a part; called also "palsy." 

Paraplegia — Paralysis of the hind 
quarters on both sides; usually due 
to some injury or inflammation of 
the spinal cord. 

Parasite — An animal which lives on, 
or in, the body of another animal. 

Parotid Gland — The largest of the 
salivarj'^ glands, situated below the 
ear. 

Paroxysm — In disease, a recurrence 
coming after an intermission. 

Parturition — The act of bringing forth 

the young. 
Patella — The knee-pan. 



778 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Pathology — The science which treats 
of the causes, nature, symptoms, 
and cure of disease. 

Pectoral — Pertaining to the breast, as 
the pectoral muscles. A remedy 
for affections of throat and lungs. 

Pelvis — That part of the trunk bound- 
ing the abdomen at the rear, con- 
taining a part of the intestines, and 
the internal urinary and genital 
organs. 

Penis — The exterior male organ of 
urination and generation. 

Pericarditis — Inflammation of the 
pericardium, or serous membrane, 
enclosing the heart. 

Perinoeum — The space between the 
anus and the genital organs. 

Periosteum — The fibrous membrane 
covering a bone. 

Peritoneum — The serous membrane 
which lines the cavity of the abdo- 
men./ 

Peritonitis — Inflammation of the peri- 
toneum. 

Pharynx — The muscular tube at the 
back part of the mouth which leads 
to the gullet. 

Physiology — The science which treats 
of the functions of the various 
organs of the body. 

Placenta — The membrane covering 
the young in the womb — the after- 
birth. 

Plethora — Having a full habit of the 
body; full of blood. 

Pleura — The serous membrane which 
lines the interior of the chest and 
covers the lungs. 

Plexus — Any union of vessels, nerves 
or fibers in the form of net-work. 

Polypus — A tumor with narrow base 
which grows from mucous mem- 
branes. 

Portal Vessels — The cluster of veins 
that join and enter the liver. 

Post-mortem — Literally, after death. 
The examination of a dead body. 

Predisposed — Prepared for, or fitted 
for, beforehand; inclined to; as be- 
ing predisposed to disease. 



Process — A prominence or projecting 
part; any protuberance, eminence 
or projecting bone. 

Procreation — Generation and produc- 
tion of offspring. 

Prognosis — The act or art of judging 
by the symptoms, the probable 
course of a disease. 

Prolapsus Uteri — Falling of the 
womb. 

Prophylactic — That which preserves 
or defends from disease; a pre- 
ventive. 

Proteids — Food composed of carbon, 
hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen — 
as the white of an egg. 

Proud Flesh — A fungus growth on an 
ulcer, or an excrescence of flesh 
in a wound from excessive granu- 
lation. 

Pulmonary — Relating to the lungs. 

Pupil — The circular opening in the 
colored curtain within the eye. 

Purgative — A medicine that operates 
strongly in evacuating the bowels. 

Pus — The matter discharged from a 
tumor when lanced, or from a sore. 
Healthy pus is yellowish-white in 
color, and is always secreted in the 
process of healing. 

Putrefaction — The process of decom- 
position; state of corruption; rot- 
teness. 

Pylorus — The lower orifice of the 
stomach on its right side, through 
which the food passes to the intes- 
tines. 

Quickening — The time when the mo- 
cion of the foetus within the womb 
is first perceptible. 

Quittor— An ulcerous formation, re- 
sembling fistula, inside a horse's 
foot. 

Rabies — Madness; hydrophobia. 

Rales — The noise produced by air pas- 
sing through the mucus of the 
lungs. 

Ramify— Branched; running in various 
directions. 

Raphe — A seam or suture. 

Rectum — The last intestine; the anal 
gut. 



DICTIONARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS 



779 



Reflux — In medicine, the return of the 
blood from the head, or from to- 
ward the extremities, to the heart. 

Refrigerants — Medicines or lotions 
that diminish heat. 

Regurgitate — To throw or pour back; 
to swallow again. 

Remittent — Ceasing for a time, as a 
fever or a pain. 

Reproduction — The act or process of 
producing the young; breeding. 

Resolution — The disappearance of in- 
flammation without suppuration. 

Resolvent — A medicine or substance, 
that vA\l scatter inflammatory' or 
other tumors, and prevent their sup- 
puration. 

Respiratory Murmur — The murmur 
which, when the ear is applied to 
the chest, is heard in the lungs, and 
attending the act of breathing. 

Retention — A stopping or withhold- 
ing, as retention of the urine. 

Retina — The expansion of the optic 
nerve in the back part of the eye, 
on which the image is formed in 
the act of seeing. 

Retrocession — Change of an eruption 
from the surface, to the inner parts. 

Roaring — A disease or constriction of 
the wind-pipe, producing a roaring 
sound in breathing. 

Rumination — The act of chewing the 
cud. 

Rupture — The common name for 
hernia. The act of breaking or 
bursting, or state resulting there- 
from. 

Saccharine — Containing or having the 
qualities of sugar. 

Saline — Containing salt in solution; 
salty. 

Saliva — The secretion of the glands 
of the mouth, which moistens the 
food in chewing, and keeps the 
mouth and tongue moist. 

Sallenders — The same as mallenders, 
except that it occurs in the flexures 
of the hock. 

Sanitary — Relating to the preserva- 
tion of health; tending to health. 

Sarcoma — A fleshy tumor. 



Scaphoid — Shaped like a boat, as the 
navicular bone. 

Scapula — The shoulder-blade. 

Sclerotic — The thick, hard, white, 
outer coat of the e3'e. 

Sciatica — A rheumatic or neuralgic 
affection of the hip. 

Scrotum — The bag which contains the 
testicles. 

Sebaceous Glands — The oil tubes of 
the skin. 

Secretion — The separation of various 
substances from the blood. 

Sedatives — Soothing medicines; reme- 
dies that depress nervous power, or 
lower circulation. 

Semen — The male generative product 
secreted in the testicles. 

Septic — Causing or promoting putre- 
faction. Antiseptic: arresting pu- 
trefaction. 

Septicaemia — Blood poisoning; usu- 
ally an absorption. 

Serum — The yellowish, watery por- 
tion of the blood remaining after 
coagulation. 

Seton — An artificial passage under the 
skin, made by a seton needle, and 
kept open with tape, silk, or the 
like, which is drawn in, and is 
moved back and forth daily to keep 
up an irritation, with a view of set- 
ting up inflammation. 

Sialogogue — A medicine that pro- 
motes a flow of saliva. 

Sinus — An orifice or canal containing 
pus or matter. 

Slough (pronounced sluff) — To fall 
away, separate from, as in disease, 
or in mortified parts. 

Soporific — A medicine that induces 
sleep. 

Spasm—A sudden, involuntary contrac- 
tion of the muscles; a con\'ulsion. 

Spinal — Relating to the spine, or back- 
bone. 

Splint — An excrescence on the can- 
non bone of a horse. Splint bone: 
one of the bones of a horse's leg. 

Spleen— A li\-id-colored organ attached 
to the stomach, the office of which 
is not well understood. 



78o 



THE PRACTlCAIv STOCK DOCTOR 



Spontaneous— Occurring witliout any 
apparent cause from without. 

Sporadic — Separated, scattered; oc- 
curring here and there, as sporadic 
cases of disease. 

Sternum — The breast bone, situated in 
the fore part of the thorax. 

Stomachics — Medicines that promote 
digestion. 

Strangulated — Choked; having the cir- 
culation stopped in any part. 

Strangury — The stopping of a passage; 
generally applied to urinary organs. 

Stricture — Stopping, or obstruction of 
a passage of the body, by morbid, 
or spasmodic, action. 

Styptic — An astringent; having the 
property of stopping bleedmg. 

Sudorific — A medicine that will cause 
sweating, or perspiration. 

Suppuration — The process of forming 
jnis, or matter; the result of inflam- 
mation in an abscess, or a wound. 

Suture — A stitch, or fastening, for 
joining edges of wounds. The 
seam or joint which unites the 
bones of the skull. 

Synovia — A fluid resembling the white 
of an egg, secreted by the joints, 
and articulations, which it lubri- 
cates and keeps in healthful con- 
dition-joint oil, so called. 

Taenia — Literally a fillet, or band. 
The technical name of the tape- 
worm. 

Tapping — Drawing off collected fluid. 

Tarsus — The cartilage toward the 
edge of each ej-elid, giving it shape 
and firmness. The hock joint of 
the horse. 

Tendon — The dense, fibrous structure 
in which a muscle ends, and by 
which it is joined to the bone. 

Tent — In medicine, a pledget, or 
plug, introduced into a wound. 

Tenuity — The property of being thin; 
small; rarefied. 

Tetanus — A disease in which the vol- 
untary muscles are spasmodically, 
but persistently, contracted, caus- 
ing rigidity of the parts affected. 
When in the face it is called lock- 
jaw. 



Therapeutics — That part of medicine 
that relates to discovery and appli- 
cation of remedies for diseases. 
The use of diet and medicines. 

Thorax — The chest, or that part of 
the body between the neck and 
abdomen. 

Thrush — Ulceration of the cleft of the 
frog, and extending over the whole 
of it, with a discharge of fetid 
matter. A disease of the mouth. 

Tibia — The large bone of the hind leg 
of a horse above the hock joint. 

Tonics — Remedies which gradually 
and permanently improve the sys- 
tem. 

Tonsil — An oblong gland situated on 
each side the fauces, terminated by 
the larynx and pharynx at the rear 
of the mouth, and having excretory 
ducts opening into the mouth. 

Torsion — The act of twisting and 
turning, as in drawing a tooth with 
the turnkey. 

Tourniquet — An instrument to arrest 
bleeding. 

Trachea — The windpipe. 

Tractile — Capable of being drawn out. 

Transfusion — The introducing of 
blood from one living being to an- 
other. 

Transudation — Passage of liquid 
through the tissues of the body. 

Traumatic — Relating to a wound or 
injury. 

Trephining — An operation to perforate 
the skull with a trepan, in order to 
remove a piece of bone. 

Trichina Spiralis — A mite which bur- 
rows in the muscles, and which 
before becoming encysted, some- 
times cause the death of the ani- 
mal. They are principally gener- 
ated in swine, fowls, rats, and other 
omniverous feeders. 

Tubercle — A small tumor, as tuber^ 
cle of the lungs. 

Tympanum— The drum of the ear. 

Ulna — The larger of the two bones of 
the fore arm. 

Umbilicus — The navel. 



DICTIONARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS 



781 



Unciform — Curved or crooked, as a 

clam or finger nail. 
Urea — A constituent of the urine. It 

is white, transparent, and crystal- 

lizable. 
Ureter— One of the two canals or 

ducts, which convey the urine from 

the kidnej's to the bladder. 
Urethra — The canal leading from the 

bladder outward. 
Urinary — Pertaining to the urine. 

Urine — The saline secretion of the 
kidneys. 

Uterus — The womb. 

Vagina — The canal in female animals, 
from the vulva to the uterus. 

Varicose Veins — Veins, generally in 
the legs, which are permanently 
dilated, knotted and irregular. 

Vascular— Pertaining to the vessels of 
animal and vegetable bodies, as 
vascular functions. The arteries, 
veins, lacteals, and the like, com- 
pose the vascular system. Animal 
flesh is vascular. 

Venesection — Letting blood by open- 
ing a vein. 

Venous — Pertaining to the veins, or 
contained in veins. 

Ventral —Pertaining to the abdomen 
or belly. 

Ventricles — The posterior chambers of 
the heart. 

Vermicular— Worm-like in shape or 
appearance. 

Vermifuge — A medicine or agent that 
destroys or expels worms. 

Vertebra — A division,or separate bone, 
of the spinal column. 

Vesicle — A small blister. 

Villi — Minute, thread-like projections. 
The inner mucous membrane of 
the stomach and intestines is called 
the "villous" coat, from its abound- 
ing in villi or minute projections. 

Virulent — Dangerous, or malignant; 
as a virulent type of disease. 



Virus — Contagious, or poisonous mat- 
ter. 

Viscera — The organs contained within 
the cavities of the body, particu- 
larly of the head, chest, and abdo- 
men. 

Viscid — Sticky, or tenacious, with a 
glutinous consistency. 

Vivisection — The dissection of, or 
cutting into, living animals. 

Volatile — Giving ofi vapor, flying off 
in vapor. 

Vulva — The outer opening, in female 
animals, of the generative parts. 

Warbles — Tumors caused by the de- 
positing of the eggs of the gad-fly 
in the backs of cattle Also small, 
hard tumors on the backs of horses 
from the irritation of the saddle. 

Wen — A distinctly defined tumor 
under the skin, seldom hurtful. An 
encysted tumor. 

Wind-galls — A distension of the syn- 
ovial membranes of a horse's fet- 
lock joints. 

Womb — The uterus, or pouch, in which 
the young are carried in the fetal 
stage before birth. 

Xiphoid — Sword-like — A small cartil- 
age at the bottom of the breast 
bone. 

Zoology — That part of natural history 
which treats of the structure, habits, 
classification, and habitations of an- 
imals. 

Zoon — An animal; having animal life. 

Zootomy — Dissection of the lower ani- 
mal. 

Zygomatic — Pertaining to the cheek 
bone, or to the bony arch under 
which the temporal muscle passes. 
From zygoma, the cheek-bone. 

Zymotic — Caused by, or pertaining to 
fermentation; as a zymotic disease, 
being one in which some morbific 
principle acts on the system like a 
ferment. 



ADDENDA 



MILK FEVER. — Since writing the first article on milk 
fever, the statement has been made that filling the udder with 
sterilized air is as effectual a treatment as either the oxygen or 
Schmidt treatments; if this be true, and there are many reasons 
for believing that it is, the treatment of this dreaded disease 
becomes very simple. The air pumped into the udder must first 
be freed from germs, and this can be done by pumping it through 
sterilized cotton. A simple and yet effectual apparatus can be 
made as follows: Get a tinner to make a tin tube six inches long 
and one inch in diameter, have the seam pressed and use as little 
solder as possible; or better yet, if it can be obtained, is a piece 
of steel bicycle tubing the same size; this can generally be had at 
a bicycle repair shop; have a druggist fit each end of the tube 
with a cork, having through it a small piece of glass tubing, as 
shown in the cut; have the corks fit tightly; fill the large tube just 
nicely full with a fine grade of cotton batting or with absorbent 
cotton, which can be had at any drug store, and the apparatus is 
complete. There is also needed a milking tube with a short 
piece of rubber tube attached, and a small bicycle pump. 

Before using the apparatus it must be sterilized; put a little 
cotton plug in the end of each of the glass tubes, as shown in the 
cut, and roll the tube in four or five laj^ers of newspapers, tying 
the ends around the glass tubes, as shown in the cut, and it is 
ready to be sterilized. To sterilize it, put in an oven with a slow 
heat, about right for baking cake, and leave it there for one 
hour; the oven should be hot enough to just slightly scorch the 
paper, and turn the cotton plugs in the glass tubes just a little 
brown; if too hot, the cotton inside the tube will be burned too 
much, but the cotton plugs and the paper will indicate the 
amount of heat to use. The tube is now ready for use, and by 
pumping air through this sterilized cotton, the germs will be 
filtered from it. The apparatus can be sterilized and laid away, 

782 




J\ 



APPARATUS USED IN STERILIZED AIR TREATMENT FOR MILK FEVER. 



ADDENDA 783 



leaving the paper around it, in some clean place, and it will be 
all right for use when needed; it would be best to re-sterilize if 
not used for three weeks after sterilizing. 

To use in treating the cow, put the milking tube, with the 
piece of rubber tubing attached, into a solution of: Carbolic Acid, 
Vo, ounce; water, i pint, to sterilize it; remove the cotton plug 
from one of the glass tubes and attach the bicycle pump by 
means of a short piece of rubber tubing; remove the cotton plug 
from the other glass tube and attach the milking tube, first 
shaking all the Carbolic Acid lotion from it; wash off the end of 
one of the teats with the Carbolic lotion, and insert the milking 
tube into it and pump air in slowly. If pumped too fast, germs 
may be forced through the cotton. Be sure the milking tube 
does not touch anything after it comes from the solution before 
it enters the teat; it can be dipped into the Carbolic solution just 
before introducing it, if the apparatus is held with the tube end 
down, so that the cotton inside the large tube cannot get wet; 
this must be kept perfectly dry, or it will not sterilize the air. 
After pumping into a quarter all it will hold, remove the milking 
tube and take a small bandage about one inch wide, and com- 
mencing at the bottom of the teat, bandage the teat tightly to 
close the duct and prevent the air from escaping. The bandage 
is safer than a string tied around the teat. Treat each quarter 
the same. Wet the milking tube in the Carbolic lotion each time 
before putting it into a teat, being careful not to let the cotton 
get wet. After filling the udder, knead gently. After six or 
eight hours the air could be worked out and the udder refilled 
with fresh air, if necessary. With this treatment the cow should 
receive the same general treatment as given with the first article. 

The apparatus may require new corks, and also to be refilled 
with fresh cotton, after it has been sterilized a number of times. 



INDEX 



NO TE — For index q/ Cattle, see page 794; Sheep, page Soo: Swine, page 801; 

Poultry, page 802: Dog, page Soj; Miscellaneous Department, page 803; 

Practical Recipes from Farmers, page 804; Sugar Beet, Fettiliz- 

ing and Spraying, page 806 ; Dictionary of Technical 

and Other Terms in Common Use, page j68. 



THE HORSE 



Abortion 168 

Abscess, opening an 351 

Abscesses 244 

in the rectum 126 

in the scrotum 178 

After-birth, the 158 

After-pains 159 

Age of horse, to tell by the teeth.. 341 

horses, to tell 340 

Amaurosis 190 

Anaesthetics, general 348 

local 347 

Anatomy of the horse 27 

man and horse com- 
pared 54 

Aneurism 238 

Animals, methods of controlling.. 349 
nursing and feeding sick 68 

Ankles, cocked 290 

Antiseptics 64 

Aphtha, or thrush loi 

Apparatus 647 

Apoplexy 219 

Arm, bones of the fore 29 

Arteries, the 39 

Artery, rupture of an 239 

tumor of an 238 

Atrophy of the heart 237 

muscles 303 

Azoturia 141 



Back, bones of the 28 

broken 275 

chronic sores on 237 

muscles of the 33 

sit-fasts on the 274 

sore 273 

sprain of the 275 

Balking 328 

Balls found in the bowels 125 

or pills, to make and give... 70 

Bandage, plaster of Paris 285 

starch, see "Fractures" 282 

Bandages 352 

Barrenness, in the mare 151 

Belly, dropsy of the 127, 168 

injuriesto the muscles of the 277 

tapping the 354 

Big head 251 

r>ig leg 231 

Bladder, eversion of the 1 36 

inflammation of the 135 

paralysis of the 138 

spasm of neck of the 137 

stones in the 136 

the 50 

Bleeding, after castration 177 

foaling, profuse ... 159 

from the lungs 84 

navel 169 

nose 84 



INDEX 



785 



Blindfolding 349 

Blindness, following castration.... 181 

Blister, to 257 

apply a 258 

Bloat 117 

Blood, bad 240 

poison 265 

spavin 299 

Bloody flux, or dysentery 123 

urine 139 

Bog spavin 296 

Boils 213 

Bone, breast 29 

caries, or ulceration of a 248 

necrosis, or death of a 249 

side 255 

spavin 259 

Bones, cervical, or neck 28 

coccygeal, or tail 28 

dorsal, or back 28 

hip, or pelvic 28 

lumbar or small of the back 28 

of the cannon 30 

forearm 29 

foot 30 

hind leg 31 

hock or tarsus joint 31 

knee 30 

pastern 30 

shoulder 29 

sacral or croup 28 

Bots 113 

Bowels, balls found in the 125 

inflammation of the 118 

or intestines, the 42 

twist in the 124 

Brain, concussion of the 217 

congestion of the 218 

inflammation of the 215 

chronic 223 
Brain, spinal cord, and coverings, 

inflammation of the 216 

Break down 292 

Breaking, see * ' Training " 14 

halter 15 

a stubborn horse 23 

50 



Bridle, how to proceed with 16 

Broken back 275 

knees 287 

ribs 276 

wind, or heaves 93 

Bronchial tubes and air cells, the.. 48 

Bronchitis 85 

chronic 88 

Bruises of the shoulder 272 

sole of the foot 323 

stone 323 

Bursal enlargements 288 

Calculi 136 

intestinal 125 

Calculus, obstruction of urethra... 141 

Calks 320 

Canker in the foot 307 

Cannon, bones of the 30 

Capillary vessels, the 39 

Capped elbow 281 

hock 298 

Caries, or ulceration of a bone 248 

Casting 173, 350 

Castration, diseases and troubles 172 
abscesses in the scro- 
tum after 178 

bleeding after 177 

blindness following ... 181 

care of colt , after 1 76 

exposing testicles 173 

fatty curtain of bowels 

coming down after.. 178 

lock-jaw after 181 

operating by searing... 175 

with clamps.. 174 

ecraseur 175 

emasculator 175 

ligatures 176 

originals or ridglings.. 176 

pain after 176 

peritonitis following.. 180 
precautions before op- 
erating 173 

rupture (hernia) 177 

schirrus cord 180 



786 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Castration, swelling after 179 

throwing, or casting... 173 

tumor of the cord 180 

Cataract of the eye 190 

Catarrh, or cold in the head 75 

chronic 77 

Catheter, passing the 353 

Cautery, actual 357 

Cerebro-spinal-meningitis 216 

Cheeks, paralysis of the 100 

Chest, tapping the 354 

water in the 92 

wounds penetrating the 95 

Chill, a 336 

Choking 105 

Circulation, the 37 

Clamps, operating with 174 

•Cleaning, the 158 

Cocked ankles 290 

'Coffin joint lameness 324 

■Cold in the head 75 

Colic, flatulent 117 

spasmodic, or cramp 115 

wind 117 

Colt, care after castration 176 

how to mount 20 

ride 20 

saddle break 19 

teaching to drive ,... 17 

to make come to you 16 

-ill 197 

Colts, to break wild and vicious... 21 

Coma 223 

Comparative anatomy 54 

Concussion of the brain 217 

Congestion of the brain 218 

liver 130 

lungs 88 

Conjunctivitis 186 

Constipation in yotmg foals 169 

Contractions of the foot 306 

Contagious diseases and fevers ... 193 

Cord, the spermatic 51 

Corns 314 

Cough, chronic 82 

Cracked heels, or scratches 203 



Cracks in the teats 167 

quarter and sand 319 

Cramp of the muscles of the neck. 274 

loins. 274 
thigh 295 

Cribbing and wind sucking 99 

Crookedness of the legs in foals... 172 

Curb 301 

Cutting the back tendons 301 

Cystitis 135 

Deafness.... 185 

Diabetes, insipidus 134 

Diaphragm, spasms of the 94 

the 37 

Diarrhea, or superpurgation 122 

in young foals 170 

Difficulties met with in foaling 156 

Digestive organs, the 40 

Dilitation or enlargement of the 

esophagus or gullet 107 

Disease, determining nature of.. .~ 74 

loco 225 

millet 335 

navicular 324 

of the cartilage of the ear 185 

spleen 131 

Diseases <and care of yoimg foals.. 169 

injuries of the ear 185 

eye 186 

Diseases and injuries of the head, 

neck, shoulders, body and hips 266 
Diseases and troubles following 

castration 172 

Diseases of the blood, general 240 

bones 248 

brain and nervous 

system 215 

feet 303 

front and hind legs 2S1 
genital organs of 

the horse 143 

genital organs of 

themare 149 

heart, arteries, and 
bloodvessels 233 



INDEX 



787 



Diseases of the liver and spleen 130 

lymphatic system.. 230 
mouth, teeth, sali- 
vary glands, and 

gullet 97 

Diseases of the respiratory or 

breathing organs 75 

Diseases of the skin 203 

stomach and bowels 109 

urinary organs 132 

Disinfection 66 

Dislocation of the patella 293 

partial .. 294 

Distemper 197 

in foals 172 

Douches, nasal 72 

Drench, giving a 355 

Drenches 70 

Dribbling of the urine 139 

Driving, harnessing and 18 

Dropsy of the belly 127, 168 

scrotum or bag 144 

Dysentery 123 

Ear, diseases of the cartilage 185 

frostbites of the 1&6 

injuries or cuts around 185 ' 

the 46 

tumors of the 186 

Ecraseur, operating with the 175 

Ectropium 192 

Eczema 206 

Emasculator, operating with the .. 1 75 

Elbow, capped 281 

Electric shock 222 

Electuaries, or pastes 71 

Elephantiasis 231 

Encephalitis 215 

Endocarditis 233 

Enlargement of the esophagus 107 

heart 236 

ovaries 149 

thyroid gland 108 

Enlargements, bursal 288 

Enteritis 118 

Entropium 191 



Enuresis 139 

Epilepsy 222 

Epizootic 199 

Erysipelas 246 

Esophagus or gullet, the 41 

dilatation of... 107 

Eversion of the bladder 136 

eyelids 192 

vagina 160 

womb 162 

Exostosis of the jaw 252 

Eye, cataract of the 190 

gutta Serena, or glass 190 

inflammation of haw of the 189 

injuries to ducts of the 192 

tlie 45 

worm in the 191 

Eyelids, eversion of the 192 

injuries to the 192 

inversion of the 191 

False quarter „ 324 

Farcy 194 

water 230 

Fatty degeneration of the heart... 237 

Feeding, food and 57 

sick animals 68 

Feet, ilat 312 

nails in the 316 

sore 311 

thrush in the 315 

Fetlock, striking the 291 

thickening around the... 292 

Fetlock joint, sprain of the 290 

Fetlocks , puff y enlargements about 288 

Fever, catarrhal 197 

mud 205 

puerperal 167 

Filari oculi 191 

Firing 357 

Fistula of the parotid duct 103 

Fistulous withers 268 

Fits, falling 222 

Flatulence, tapping the flank for~ 355 

Flooding 159 

Foal, abortion, or slinking the 168 



788 



THE PRACTICAI. STOCK DOCTOR 



Foal, how tell when mare is with 152 

natural way to come 154 

bed turned out 162 

Foaling and attendant diseases 152 

difficulties met with in ... 156 
falling away of muscles 

of hips, after 279 

injuries to hips during 166 

profuse bleeding after 159 

signs of immediate 153 

swelling on belly before... 168 

Foals, constipation in young 169 

crookedness of the legs in .. 172 

diarrhea in young 170 

diseases and care of young 169 

distemper in 172 

leaking of navel and rheu- 
matism in young 171 

weakness in legs of 3'oung 172 

Fomentations 68 

Fomenting 353 

Food and feeding 57 

Foot, bones of the 30 

bruises of sole of 323 

canker in the 307 

contractions of the 306 

fracture of bones of the 324 

gravel in the 306 

holding up front 350 

pumiced 313 

Forearm, bones of 29 

Foreign substances in the mouth.. 100 

Fore legs, muscles of the 34 

Forging 322 

Form of guaranty 339 

Foul sheath 147 

Founder, acute 309 

chronic 311 

Fracture of the bones of the foot.... 324 

hock.. 299 

neck .. 268 

tail 280 

ilium 278 

skull 266 

Fractures 282 

Frost bites of the ear 1S6 



Frothing, slavering or 102 

Fumigation , see in ' ' Disinfection ' ' 66 
Furuncles 213 

Galled shoulders 271 

Galls, saddle 273 

Garget 166 

Gastritis iii 

Generative organs of the horse 50 

mare 52 

Genital organs of the horse, dis- 
eases of the 143 

Genital organs of the mare, dis- 
eases of the 149 

Gland, inflammation of the parotid 102 

thickening of the parotid... 103 

Glanders 194 

Glands, the mammary 53 

salivary 41 

Gleet, nasal 77 

Glossitis loi 

Goitre 108 

Gonorrhea, or gleet 145 

Gorged stomach 109 

Grain, kicking while eating 327 

wasting 327 

Grain ration, a mixed 59 

Grains for feeding 58 

Gravel in the foot 306 

Grease heel 204 

Growths on end of penis 147 

Gruel, how to make 63 

Guarant}^, form of 339 

Gutta Serena, or glass eye 190 

Gut-tie 124 

Hsematuria 139 

Hair, the 45 

Halter breaking : 15 

Halter, pulling back and breaking 328 

Harnessing and driving iS 

Hay for feeding 57 

Hay tea, how to make 63 

Head, muscles of the 32 

swelling around 108 

the 27 

Heart, atrophy of the 237 



INDEX 



789 



Heart, enlargement of the 236 

fatty degeneration of the 237 

inflammation of sac of the... 234 

palpitation of the 238 

the 38 

Heat, exhaustion 220 

Heaves 93 

Heel, grease 204 

Heels, low 312 

Hemorrhoids 127 

Hernia, inguinal 183 

navel or umbilical 1 84 

scrotal 177, 182 

ventral 183 

Hiccoughs 94 

Hidebound 211 

Hind quarters, muscles of the 35 

Hip, or pelvic bones 28 

sprain of muscles of the 281 

Hip-joint, lameness 280 

Hipped 278 

Hips, falling away of muscles of... 279 
injuries to, during foaling... 166 

History of the horse 9 

Hock, capped 298 

fracture of the bones of the 299 
or tarsus joint, bones of the 31 

joint, sprains of the 298 

Hoof, the 46 

Horse, history of the 9 

muscles of the 31 

pox 193 

proportions of the 55 

skeleton of the 27 

to examine for soimdness.. 337 
to make come at command 24 
to make stand without 

hitching 25 

Hydrarthrosis 297 

Hydrocele 144 

Hydrophobia 227 

Hydrothorax 92 

Hj'men, the 53 

Hypertrophy 236 

Hypodermic syringe 355 

Hysteria 151 



Icterus 131 

Iliimi, fracture of the 278 

Impaction of the large intestine... 121 

stomach 109 

Indigestion, acute no 

chronic 114 

Inflammation of a vein 239 

wound 264 

the bladder 135 

bowels iiS 

brain 215 

brain, chronic. 223 
Inflammation of the brain, spinal 

cord and their coverings 216 

Inflammation of the endocardium. 233 
haw of the eye 189 

iris 188 

kidneys, acute 132 
chronic 133 

liver 130 

lungs 90 

ovaries 149 

parotid gland loir 

phar3'nx 104 

heart sac 234 

rtomach in 

testicle; 143 

tongue 101 

udder 166 

vagina 164 

vulva 164 

womb 164 

Injection pipe, simple 73 

Injections per rectum 72 

under skin (hypodermic) 72 
Injuries, or cuts, around the ear... 185 

to the ducts of the eye 192 

eyelids 192 

hips during foaling 166 

muscles of the belly 277 

neck 267 

Instruments 645 

Interfering 29 r 

Intestinal calculi 125 

Intestine, impaction of the large.. 121 
Intestines, the bowels, or 42 



790 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Intussusception 124 

Invagination 124 

Inversion of the eyelids 191 

Involuntary muscles, the 36 

Irregularities of the teeth 98 

Irritation, shedding milk teeth 98 

Iritis 188 

Ischuria 139 

Itchy tail 212 

skin 212 

Jaundice 131 

Jaw, exostosis of the 252 

Joint, open 299 

sprain of the stifle 293 

Kidneys, acute inflammation of the 132 
chronic inflammation of 133 

the 49 

Knee, bones of the 30 

striking the 285 

sprung 288 

Knees, broken 2S7 

puffy enlargement about... 288 
Knuckling 290 

Lameness coffin joint 324 

hip joint 280 

shoulder joint 272 

I/ampas 97 

Laryngitis 80 

Larynx, the 48 

Lead, learning to 16 

Leg, weed in the 230 

bones of the hind 31 

Leg, sprain of muscles on front of 

hind 295 

Leg, sprain of muscles on inside 

of hind 296 

Legs, muscles of the fore 34 

Leucorrhea 150 

Lice 213 

Ligament, rupture of suspensory.. 292 

Ligatures, operating by 176 

Lips, paralysis of the 100 

Liver, congestion of the 130 



Liver, disorders, other 131 

inflammation of the 130 

the 43 

Limbs, swellingof the 232 

Lock-jaw, or tetanus 228 

after castration iSi 

Loco disease 225 

Loins, cramps of the muscles of the 274 

Long, round worms 128 

Lotion, white 263 

Lumbrici 128 

Lungs, bleeding from the 84 

congestion of the 88 

inflammation of the 90 

the 48 

Lymphangitis 230 

Lymphatic system, the 40 

Malpresentation 156 

Mammary glands, the 53 

Mammitis 166 

Mange 209 

Mare, barrenness in the 151 

how to tell when with foal.. 152 
how to use when with foal.. 153 

Mashes, how to make 63 

Masturbation 148 

Medicines, forms of, and ways of 

giving 69 

Medicines, how often to give, 73 

list of 653 

Melanosis 20S 

Membranes, mucous 44 

serous 44 

Meningitis 215 

Methods of controlling animals... 349 

blindfolding.. 349 

casting 350 

holding up front foot.. 350 

side line, the 350 

stocks 350 

twist, a 349 

Metritis 164 

Millet disease 335 

Miscellaneous information 336 

Moon-blindness 188 



INDEX 



791 



Mouth, foreign substances in the.. 100 

sore 97 

ton gue hanging from ...... 102 

Mucous membranes 44 

Mud fever 205 

Muscles, atrophy of the 303 

involuntary 36 

of the back 33 

forelegs 34 

head 32 

hind quarters 35 

horse 31 

lower thigh (gas- 
kin) 36 

neck 32 

shoulders 33 

rupture of the 302 

Nails in the feet 316 

Nasal chambers, the 47 

gleet 77 

pol}-pus 79 

Natural way for foal to come 1 54 

Navel, bleeding from the 169 

leaking of, in young foals.. 171 

Navel-string, the 154 

Navicular disease 324 

Neck, cramps of muscles of the... 274 
fracture of the bones of the 268 
injuries to muscles of the... 267 

muscles of the 32 

Necrosis, or death, of a bone 249 

Nephritis 132 

Nettle-rash 207 

Nerv'ous system, the 37 

Nose, bleeding from the 84 

Nostril, small tumor of the 79 

wounds about the 78 

Nostrils, the 47 

Nursing and feeding sick animals 68 

Occult spavin, see "Bone Spavin" 259 

Operations 347 

some important points in 347 

theknifein 349 

Open joint 299 



Ophthalmia , simple 1 86 

specific or periodic... 188 

Orchitis 143 

Organs of respiration or breathing 47 

the digestive 40 

the urinar}- 49 

Originals, castrating 176 

Osteophytes 254 

Osteo porosis 251 

Ovaries, enlargement of the 149 

inflammation of the 149 

the 52 

Over-reaching 322 

Pains, after 159 

Palpitation of the heart 238 

Palsy 220 

Pancreas, the 43 

Pastern bones 30 

Paralysis 220 

of the bladder 138 

pharynx or gullet .. 105 

lips and cheeks 100 

Paraphimosis 146 

Parotid duct, fistula of the 103 

gland, inflammation of the 102 
thickening of the... 103 

Parturition 152 

cautions in assisting in 155 

Patella, dislocation of the 293 

partial dislocation of the.. 294 

Penis, growths on end of 147 

tbe 51 

Pericarditis 234 

Peritonitis 120 

following castration 180 

Pharyngitis 104 

Pharynx, inflammation of the 104 

paraljsis of the 105 

the 41 

Phimosis 146 

Phlebitis 239 

Phrenitis 215 

Piles 127 

Pin worms 129 

Pink-eye 199 



792 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Placenta, the 158 

Plaster of Paris bandage 285 

Pleurisy 91 

Pneumonia 90 

Poison, blood 265 

Poisoning by contact, vegetable... 335 
drugs and minerals.. 329 

aconite 329 

arsenic 336 

aloes 330 

ammonia 330 

belladonna 330 

calomel 331 

cantharides 331 

chloroform 331 

chloral hydrate 331 

croton oil 331 

copper sulphate 331 

corrosive sublimate.. 332 

ergot of rye 332 

hellebore, white 333 

iron, sulphate 332 

lead 333 

nux vomica 332 

opium 333 

saltpeter (nitrate of 

potash) 333 

strychnine 333 

turpentine 333 

stings or snake bite.. 335 

Poisoning, while grazing 334 

cherry, black 334 

hemlock, poison 334 

hemlock, water 334 

horsetail 335 

larkspurs, the 334 

laurels, the 335 

joco weed 334 

millet 335 

Poisons and their antidotes 329 

Poll-evil 266 

Polypus, nasal 79 

Powders 69 

Preparation of foods 60 

Prescriptions 670 

Proportions of the horse 55 



Protrusion of the rectum, or back 

bowel 126 

Prurigo 212 

Ptyalism 102 

Puerperal fever 167 

Puffy enlargements around knees 

and fetlocks 288 

Pulse, the 74 

Pumiced foot 313 

Punctures 316 

Purpura Hemorrhagica 241 

Quarter cracks 319 

Quarter, false 324 

Q uittor 303 

Rabies 227 

Ration, a mixed grain 59 

Rattle-snake bites 336 

Rearing before carriage, to break of 25 

Rearing under saddle, to break of.. 25 

Rectum, giving medicine by the... 72 

profusions of the 1 26 

the 43 

tumors or abscesses in the 126 

Respiration or breathing, organs of 47 

Retention of the after-birth, see... 158 

Rheumatism 243 

in young foals 171 

Ribs 29 

broken 276 

Rickets 250 

Ridglings, castrating 176 

Ring-bone 256 

Ring-worm 210 

Roaring and whistling 83 

Roots as food 60 

Rupture after castration 177 

of an artery 239 

of the muscles 302 

stomach iii 

suspensory liga- 
ment 272 

vagina 163 

womb 163 

I Ruptures (hernias) and methods 

i of treatment i82 



INDEX 



r93 



Saddle galls 273 

Salivary glands, the 41 

Sand cracks 319 

Scalma 201 

Schirrus cord 180 

Scratches 203 

Scrotum, dropsy of the 144 

Seedy toe 305 

Semen, the 51 

Serous membrane, the 44 

Sheath, foul 147 

swelling of the 147 

warts around the 148 

Shedding milk teeth, irritation 

from 98 

Shins, sore 253 

Shock, electric 222 

Shoe boil 281 

Shoeing 312 

Shoulder, bones of the 29 

bruises of the 272 

slip 270 

joint lameness 272 

Shoulders, chronic sores on 273 

muscles of the 32 

sit fasts on 274 

Sick animals, nursing and feeding 68 

Side bone 255 

Side-line the 350 

Signs of immediate foaling 1 53 

Sit-fasts on back and shoulders.... 274 

Skeleton of the horse 27 

Skin, itchy 212 

the 44 

Skull, fracture of the 266 

Slavering or frothing 102 

Slinking the foal 168 

Snake bite 335 

Some points in determining disease 74 

Sore back 273 

feet 311 

mouth 97 

shins 253 

tail from crupper 279 

teats 167 

throat 80 



Soundness, forms of guaranty, or 

warrant of 339 

how to examine for... 337 
Spasm of the neck of the bladder 137 

diaphragm 94 

Spasmodic, or cramp colic 115 

Spavin, blood 299 

bog 296 

bone 259 

occult see Bone Spavin 259 

Spaying 357 

Speedy cut 285 

Spermatic cord, the 51 

Spinal cord and coverings, inflam- 
mation of brain 216 

Spleen, diseaseof the 131 

the 43 

Splint 252 

Sprain of the back 275 

tendons 289 

fetlock joint 290 

hock joint 298 

muscles in the hip 281 

Sprain of muscles on front of hind 

leg 295 

Sprain of muscles on inside of hind 

leg 296 

Sprain of the stifle joint 293 

Staggers, sleepy 223 

stomach 109 

Staked 278 

Staling, profuse 134 

Starch bandage, see Fractures 282 

Star gazer 190 

Sternum, or breast bone 29 

Stifle joint, partial dislocation of 294 

sprain of the 293 

Stifled 293 

Stings 335 

Stitches, putting in 351 

Stocking 232 

Stock, the 350 

Stomach, gorged 109 

inflammation of the iii 

impaction of the 109 

rupture of the iii 



794 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Stomach, staggers 109 

the 41 

tympanites of the no 

Stomatitis 97 

Stone bruises 323 

Stonesin the bladder 136 

Strangles, or distemper 197 

Straw as food 58 

Stricture of the urethra 140 

Striking the fetlock 291 

knee 2S5 

String-halt 224 

Sunstroke 220 

Superpurgation 122 

Surfeit 207 

Sutures (see stitches) 351 

Sweeny 270 

Swelling after castration 179 

along belly before foaling 168 
around head and throat.. . 108 

of the limbs 232 

of the sheath 147 

Syringe, the hypodermic 355 

System, lymphatic or absorbent... 40 
nervous 37 

Tail, bones of the 28 

fracture of bones of the 280 

itchy 212 

sore, from crupper 279 

Tape worms 129 

Tapping the belly 354 

the flank for flatulence.... 355 

the chest 354 

Teats, sore 167 

warts on the 167 

Teeth, decayed 99 

irregularities of the 98 

irritation from shedding 98 

the 40 

to tell a horse's age by..34o, 341 

wolf 98 

Temperature, the 74 

Tendons, cutting the back 301 

sprain of the back 289 

Testicles, exposing, to castrate 173 



Testicles, inflammation of the 143 

the 50 

Tetanus 228 

Thickening around fetlock 292 

of the parotid gland .. . 103 
Thigh, cramp of the muscles of the 295 

muscles of the lower 36 

Thoroughpin 297 

Throat, sore 80 

swelling around loS 

Throwing, or casting a horse ..173, 350 

Thrush loi 

in the feet 315 

Thumps, or hiccoughs 94 

Thyroid gland, enlargement of the 108 

Toe, seedy 305 

Tongue, hanging from the mouth 102 

inflammation of the loi 

Toothache 99 

Trachea, the windpipe or 48 

Tracheotomy 356 

Training, best methods of 14 

first lessons 14 

halter breaking 15 

harnessing and driving.. iS 
how to break wild and 

vicious colts 21 

how to make a horse 

come at command 24 

how to make animal get 

«p that throws himself 26 
how to mount the colt... 20 
how to proceed with 

bridle 16 

how to ride the colt 20 

how to saddle-break the 

colt 19 

how to use a stubborn 

horse in breaking 23 

learning to lead 16 

lessons in sound signals. 17 
teaching colt to drive 

before harnessed 17 

to break a horse of rear- 
ing under saddle or 
before a carriage 25 



INDEX 



795 



Training, to make a colt come i6 

to make a horse stand 

still without hitching. 25 
to stand while getting 

into a carriage 25 

Tub, the 354 

Tubes, bronchial, and air cells 48 

Tumor of an artery 238 

of the nostril, small 79 

Tumors and their removal 355 

black pigment 20S 

in the rectum 126 

of the cord 180 

of theear 186 

Twist, a 349 

in the bowels 124 

Tympanites 117 

of the stomach no 

Udder, inflammation of the 166 

the 53 

Ulceration of a bone 248 

Umbilical cord, the 154 

Ureters, the 49 

Urethra, obstruction of 141 

stricture of the 140 

the 50 

Urinary organs, the 49 

Urine, bloodj' 139 

dribbling of the 139 

the 49 

Uterus or womb, the 52 

Urticaria 207 

Vagina, eversion of the 160 

inflammation of the 164 

rupture of the 163 

the 53 

Variola, equine 193 

Vein, inflammation of a 239 

Veins 39 

Vertigo 218 

Vessels, the capillary 39 

Vices, how to break of 327 

balking 328 

cribbing and wind-sucking 328 

gnawing manger, etc 327 



Vices, kicking while eating grain 327 
pulling and breaking halter 328 

wasting grain 327 

Vicious colts, how to break 21 

Volvulus J 24 

Vulva, inflammation of the 164 

the 53 

Warrant of soundness 339 

Warts 208 

around the sheath 148 

on the teats 167 

Water in the chest 92 

and watering 56 

farcy 230 

Weakness in legs of young foals... 172 

Weed in the leg 230 

White lotion 263 

Whites 150 

Whistling, roaring and 83 

Wild and vicious colts, to break... 21 

Wind colic 117 

galls 291 

sucking 99 

Windpipe or trachea, the 48 

Withers, fistulous 268 

Wolf teeth 98 

Womb, eversion of the 162 

inflammation of the 164 

riipture of the 163 

the 52 

Worm in the eye 191 

Worms, long, round 128 

pin 129 

tape 129 

Wound, inflammation of a 264 

Wounds about the nostril 78 

and their treatment 262 

' contused 262 

general treatment of all.. 262 

incised 262 

lacerated 262 

modes of healing 264 

penetrating walls of chest 95 
punctured 262 

Yellows 131 



796 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



CATTLE 



Abdomen, wounds of the 398 

Abomasum, inflammation of the... 388 

Abortion and premature birth 442 

contagious 505 

Abscess of the ear 468 

Abscesses 534 

Actinomycosis 524 

Action of remedies in cattle 363 

After-birth, removing- 421 

After-pains, prolonged 420 

Air under the skin from a wound. 476 

Albumen in the urine 410 

Albumenuria 410 

Amaurosis 464 

Anaemia 529 

Anatomy of cattle 358 

Anthrax 513 

Antidotes, poisons and 536 

Apoplexy 494 

parturient 431 

Apparatus 647 

Appetite, depraved 392 

Ascites 395 

Back, fracture of the bones of the.. 472 
Balls, or concretions, in stomach.. 387 

Bandages 541 

Barrenness in cows and bulls 444 

Belly, dropsy of the 395 

tapping the 538 

Big-jaw 524 

Binder twine balls, hair or 387 

Birth, premature 442 

Bites and stings of insects 487 

snake 487 

Black-leg — black quarter 516 

Bladder, gravel and stone in 413 

inflammation of the 413 

of ox or bull, tapping 539 

Bleeding 538 

from the navel 448 

Bloating 380 

Blood poisoning 531 



Bloody flux 390 

milk 438 

urine 409 

Blue milk 439 

Bon.es, fractured 471 

Bowels, inflammation of the 393 

or intestines, the 361 

Brain, concussion of the 495 

congestion of the 494 

inflammation of the 496 

Breathing organs, the 361 

Bronchitis 369 

filaria 369 

Buffalo gnat, the 485 

Bull, genital organs of the 362 

how to ring 536 

to disinfect 506 

Bulls, barrenness in 444 

castration of 457 

rigs or ridgling 458 

Bums and scalds 488 

Csesarian operation 541 

Calculi 413 

Calf, to tell when cow is with 414 

Calves, castration of 457 

constipation in 451 

gangrene in mouth of 377 

indigestion in 451 

inflammation of joints in.. 450 

suspended breathing in 447 

white scours in 452 

Calving and diseases attendant 414 

closure of neck of womb 419 
dropsy of womb before... 417 

paralysis before 418 

paralysis, or palsy, after.. 419 

signs of 415 

troubles met within 4x5 

Cancer in the eye 466 

Caps on the teeth 375 

Caries, or decayed, teeth 375 

Castration of bulls and calves 457 



INDEX 



797 



Cataract of the eye 464 

Catarrh, gastric 452 

malignant 365 

or cold in the head 365 

Catarrhal conjunctivitis 460 

Cattle, anatomy of 358 

the action of remedies in... 363 

Chapped teats 440 

Charbon 513 

Cheeks, the 359 

Chest, tapping the 538 

Choking 378 

Cleaning, removing 421 

Closure of neck of womb at calving 419 

Cold in the head, catarrh or 365 

Colic 392 

Concussion of the brain 495 

Congestion of the brain 494 

of the liver 405 

Contagious abortion 505 

diseases of cattle 505 

eczema 511 

pleuro-pnevunonia 507 

Conjunctivitis, catarrhal 460 

Constipation 396 

in calves 451 

Contusions on the lips 373 

Cornea, inflammation of the 461 

ulcer of the.... 462 

Comeitis 461 

Cornstalk diseases 499 

Cow, genital organs of the 362 

how to tell when with calf. ... 414 

pox 526 

Cows, barrenness in 444 

Cud, losing the 379 

Cuts and injuries to the teats 441 

Cystitis 413 

Decayed teeth 375 

Dehorning 537 

Diabetes insipidus 408 

Diarrhea or scours 389, 452 

Digestion, the organs of 359 

Disease, cornstalk 499 

foot and mouth 511 

of cartilage of the ear 470 



Disease of the spleen 407 

other indication of 364 

Diseases of the blood, general 528 

digestive organs... 373 

ear 468 

eye 459 

feet 490 

generative organs 

of the bull 454 

heart and blood 

vessels 403 

liver and spleen... 405 

nervous system 494 

respiratory organs 365 

skin 478 

urinary organs 408 

young calves 447 

Dislocation of the eyeball 466 

Drenching 542 

Dropsy of the belly 395 

womb before calving 417 

Dysentery 390 

Dysuria 411 

Ear, abscess of the 468 

diseases of cartilage of the.... 470 

foreign bodies in the 469 

inflammation of the internal.. 468 

Ears, torn or lacerated 470 

Eczema, acute and chronic 478 

contagious 511 

Electric shock 503 

Encephalitis 496 

Enlargement of the haw 467 

Enteritis 393 

Enuresis 412 

Epilepsy 499 

Erysipelas 479 

Eversion of the eyelids 465 

vagina 423 

womb 424 

Eye, cancer in the 466 

cataract of the 464 

foreign substances in the 465 

inflammation of the 459 

Eyeball, dislocation of the 466 

Eyelids, eversion of the 465 



798 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Byelids, injuries to the 465 

inversion of the 465 

Feet, soreness of the 491 

Fever, milk 431. 782 

puerperal. 428 

southern cattle 508 

Spanish or splenic 508 

Texas 508 

Filaria bronchitis 369 

Fistula of the foot 493 

teat 441 

Fits 499 

Flooding 420 

Fluke disease 407 

Fly, horn 485 

Foot and mouth disease 511 

foul in the 49^ 

fistula of the 493 

rot 492 

Foreign bodies in the ear 469 

substances in the eye 465 

Foul in the foot 492 

Founder 49° 

Fracture of the bones above and 

below stifle joint 475 

Fracture of the bones below knee 

and hock 474 

Fracture of the bones of the back. 472 
hip... 473 
neck. 472 

lower jaw 472 

ribs 473 

shoulder blade or 
shoulder bone... 474 
Fractured bones, wounds, sprains 

of joints and tendons 471 

Frostbite 469 

Fungus haematodes 466 

Gangrene of the mouth in young 

calves 377 

Garget 435 

Gelatio 469 

General diseases of the blood 52S 

Genital organs of the bull, the 362 

Genital organs of the cow, the 362 



Gestation, the period of 415 

Glands, the salivary 359 

Glossitis 376 

Gnat, the buffalo 485 

Gonorrhea 456 

Gravel and stone in the bladder... 413 

Growths on the skin 488 

Grub in the skin 486 

Gullet, the pharynx or 359 

Haematuria 409, 533 

Hair, binder twine balls, or con- 
cretions 387 

Haw, inflammation of the 467 

Haemorrhagic septicsemia 518 

Hemorrhage, flooding, or uterine 420 

Hepatitis 406 

Heart, diseases of the 403 

Hernia, or rupture 399 

inguinal 402 

scrotal 403 

umbilical, ornavel 401 

ventral 399 

Hind quarters, paralysis of the 418 

Hip, fracture of bones of the 473 

Hipped 473 

Hollow horn 534 

Hoof, loss of 491 

Hoose or husk 369 

Horn Fly 485 

Hoven 380 

Hydrophobia 526 

Hydrothorax (water in the chest) 372 

Impaction of the manyplies 384 

rumen, or paunch 382 

Incontinence of the urine 412 

Indications of disease 364 

Indigestion, chronic 386 

in young calves 451 

sub-acute 385 

Inflammation of the abomasum 388 

lining of belly 

cavity 394 

bladder 413 

bowels 393 

brain 496 



INDEX 



799 



Inflammation of the cornea 461 

internal ear... 468 

eye 459 

haw 467 

joints incalves 450 

kidneys 408 

liver 406 

lungs 370 

milk bag or 

udder 435 

navel urine 

duct 449 

pericardium . . 403 

testicles 454 

tongue 376 

udder 435 

urethra 456 

vagina 426 

veins 404 

womb 427 

Injuries to the eyelids 465 

sheath and penis 455 

Injury, lumps on jawbone from... 376 

Insects, bites and stings of 487 

Instruments 645 

Intestinal worms 397 

Intestines, the bowels or 361 

Inversion of the eyelids 465 

Irregularities of the teeth 374 

Jaundice 405 

Jaw, actinomycosis of 524 

fracture of the 472 

Jaw-bone, lumps on the 376 

Joint-ill 450 

Knee, fracture of the bones below 474 
Kidneys, inflammation of the 408 

Lacerated ears 470 

Laminitis 490 

Laryngitis, sore throat 367 

Leucorrhea 429 

Lice on cattle 481 

Lightning stroke 503 

Lip, the upper 359 

Lips, wounds and contusions of... 373 



Liver, congestion of the 405 

inflammation of the 406 

the 361 

worms in the 407 

Lock- j aw 501 

Loss of cud 379 

hoof 491 

Lump- jaw 5 24 

Lumps in the milk passage 437 

on the jaw bone 376 

Maggots in neglected wounds 477 

Malignant catarrh 365 

sore throat 368 

Malpresen tation : 415 

Mammary glands 362 

Mammitis 435 

Mange 483 

Manyplies, impaction of the 384 

Maw-bound 384 

Meconium, retention of the 451 

Medicine, giving 542 

Medicines, list of 653 

Metritis 427 

Milk, bloody 438 

blue 439 

fever 431, 782 

passage, lumps in the 437 

stringy 439 

Milking tube, passing the 438 

Navel, bleeding from the 448 

rupture 401 

urine discharged through.. 448 
Navel urine duct, inflammation of. 449 
Neck, fracture of the bones of the 472 

Nephritis 408 

Njrmphomania 446 

Off feed 385 

Operation, Caesarian 541 

Operations 536 

Ophthalmia, simple 459 

specific 460 

Organs of digestion 359 

respiratory or breathing.. 361 
the urinary 362 



8oo 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Orchitis 454 

Otitis 468 

Ovaries, the 362 

Palate, the soft 359 

Pancreas, the 361 

Paralysis 49^ 

of the hindquarters 418 

or palsy, after calving... 419 

Parturient apoplexy 43^ 

Parturition 4^4 

€ymptoms of 415 

Passage from the womb, turning 

out of the 423 

Passage out from the womb, rup- 
ture of the 421 

Passing the milking tube 438 

Paunch, impaction of rumen or... 382 

tapping the rumen or 539 

Penis, injuries to the 455 

the 362 

Pericarditis 403 

Pericardium, inflammation of the. 403 

Period of gestation 4^5 

Peritonitis 394 

Pharynx, or gullet, the 359 

Phlebitis 404 

Pica 392 

Plethora 528 

Pleurisy 371 

Pleuro-pneumonia 507 

Pneumonia 370 

Poisons and antidotes 536 

Pox, cow 526 

Pricks and wounds 493 

Prescriptions 670 

Prolonged after-pains 420 

Puerperal fever 428 

Pulse 364 

Purpura hemorrhagica 532 

Pyaemia 53^ 

Quarter ill 516 

Rabies 526 

Red water 533 

Remastication 379 



Remedies in cattle, the action of.. 363 
Removing after-birth, or cleaning 421 

Respiration 364 

Respiratory or breathing organs... 361 

Retention of the meconium 451 

urine 411 

Rheumatism 529 

Ribs, fracture of the 473 

Rigs, or ridgling bulls 458 

Ringing bulls 536 

Ring-worm 4S2 

Rumen , impaction of the 382 

P».tunenotomy 539 

Rupture, or hernia 399 

of the womb, or vagina.. 421 

Salivary glands, the 359 

Salivation , slavering or 374 

Scab in cattle 483 

Scalds 488 

Scours, diarrhea or 389 

infections 453 

in calves, white 452 

Screw worms in wounds 477 

Scrotal hernia 403 

Septicaemia 531 

hgemorrhagic 518 

Sheath, injuries to the 455 

swelling of point of 458 

stone in the 458 

Shock, electric 503 

Shoulder blade or shoulder bone, 

fracture of 474 

Skin, air under 476 

diseases 47S 

grub in the 486 

warts and small growths on.. 488 

Slavering or salivation 374 

Snake bites 487 

Sore teats 440 

throat 367 

malignant 368 

Southern cattle fever 508 

Spanish, or splenic fever 508 

Spavin in cattle 475 

Spaying 54° 



INDEX 



Soi 



Spleen, disease of the 407 

the 361 

Sprains 476 

Staphyloma 463 

Sterility 444 

Stifle joint, fracture of bones above 

and below 475 

Stifle out in cattle 475 

Stings of insects 487 

Stomach, balls, or concretions, in 387 

impaction of third 384 

inflammation of fourth.. 388 

the 360 

Stomatitis, gangrenous 377 

Stone in the bladder 413 

sheath 458 

Stricture of duct at base of teat.... 442 

Stringy milk 439 

Stroke, lightning 503 

Sub-acute indigestion 385 

Sunstroke 500 

Suspended breathing in calves 447 

Sutures 541 

Swelling of point of sheath 458 

Tapping the belly 538 

bladder of ox or bull 539 

chest 538 

paunch, or rumen 539 

Teat, fistula of the 441 

stricture of duct in the 442 

Teats, chapped or sore 440 

cuts and injuries to the 441 

warts on the 440 

Teeth, caps on the 375 

(caries) decayed 375 

irregularities of the 374 

lumps on jaw bone from the 376 

the 359 

Temperature 364 

Test for tuberculosis 522 

points in making 523 

Testicles, inflammation of the 454 

the 362 

Tetanus 501 

Texas fever 508 

51 



Tongue, inflammation of the 376 

tlie 359 

Torn ears 470 

Troubles met with in calving 415 

Tuberculin test, the 522 

Tuberculosis 519 

Tumors 489 

Turning out of the vagina or pas- 
sage from womb 423 

Tympanites 380 

Udder, inflammation of the 435 

or bag, the 362 

Ulcer of the cornea 462 

Umbilical, or navel, hernia 401 

Uraemia 531 

Urethra, inflammation of the 456 

Urinary organs 362 

Urination, profuse 408 

Urine, albumen in 410 

bloody 409 

discharged through navel .. 448 

incontinence of the 412 

retention of the 411 

Urine duct, inflammation of navel 449 

Vagina, eversion of the 423 

inflammation of the 426 

rupture of 421 

Vaginitis 426 

Variola vaccinnse 526 

Vomiting 384 

Veins, inflammation of the 404 

Warbles ^ 4S6 

Warts, and small growths on skin 48S 

on the teats 440 

Water in the chest 372 

Wens from wounds and blows 477 

White scours in calves 452 

Whites 429 

Wolf in the tail 534 

Womb, closure of neck of 4x9 

dropsy of the 417 

eversion of the 424 

inflammation of the 427 

or calf bed turned out, the 424 



802 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Womb, rupture of the 421 

the , 362 

Worms, intestinal 397 

in the liver 407 

Wound, air under the skin from a 476 

Wounds and contusions of the lips 373 
in the abdomen 398 



Wounds, maggots in neglected 477 

of all kinds 476 

pricks and 493 

screw worms in 477 

wens from 477 

Yellows, or jaundice 405 



SHEEP 



After-birth, retention of, see 569 

Age, loss of teeth from 551 

Apoplexy 545 

Apparatus 647 

Biplex canal, disease of 564 

Bloating 551 

Bowels, inflammation of the 554 

Brain, hydatids on the 544 

inflammation of the 545 

Bronchitis 548 

filaria 548 

Bruises 565 

Castrating lambs 567 

rams 566 

Catarrh, distemper or epizootic 543 

or cold in the head 543 

Choking 551 

Cleaning, or placenta not coming 

away 569 

Colic 553 

Constipation in yojmg lambs 571 

Diarrhea 557 

in young lambs 572 

Disease of the biplex canal 564 

Diseases of young lambs 571 

Distemper, or epizootic catarrh .... 543 

Docking 567 

Dysentery 558 

Eyes, inflammation of the 547 

Eversion of the womb, or lamb bed 569 

Flies, maggots from blow 562 



Fluke disease 559 

Foot rot 563 

swollen 564 

Foreign substances lodged in teeth 550 

Foul in the foot 564 

Fractures 565 

Garget 570 

Grubs in the head 560 

Head, swelled 545 

Hoven 551 

Hydatids on the brain 544 

Hydrophobia, or rabies 547 

Impaction of the rumen, or paunch 552 

Inflammation of the bowels 554 

brain 545 

eyes 547 

lungs 549 

testicles 565 

udder 570 

Instruments 645 

Lambing 568 

troubles met with in 568 

Lambs, castrating 567 

constipation in 571 

diarrhea in young 572 

diseases of young 571 

weakness in young 571 

Lock-jaw (tetanus) 546 

Maggots from blow flies 562 

Milk-bag (see udder)..., 570 

Medicines, list of 653 



INDEX 



Nodular disease 557 

Ophthalmia 547 

Paralysis, or palsy 546 

Pelt-rot (see "Wool Falling from 

Sheep") 562 

Placenta not coming away 569 

Pneumonia 549 

Prescriptions 670 

Rams, castrating 566 

Rot, or liver fluke 559 

' Rumen, or paunch, impaction of 552 

Scab 560 

lime and sulphur dip for 561 

Sore throat 547 

Sprains, strains, and bruises 565 



803 

•5 53 
. 545 



Stretches 

Swelled head 

Tape worms 556 

Teeth, substances lodged in the... 550 

loss of 551 

shedding 550 

Testicles, inflammation of the 565 

Ticks 562 

Tympanites 551 

Udder, inflammation of the 570 

Wool, falling from sheep 562 

Worms, intestinal (see " Nodular 

disease") 557 

stomach 555 

tape 556 

Womb, eversion of the 569 



SWINE 



Apoplexy 580 

Apparatus 647 

Black teeth in young pigs 590 

Blind staggers 580 

Bowel, tiiming out of the back 584 

Castration 588 

Choking 581 

Common diseases of swine 578 

Colds 581 

Congestion of the brain 580 

Constipation 583 

Diarrhea 583 

Disinfectants and disinfection 573 

Farrowing 591 

Fever in sows 593 

lung 578 

Fits in young pigs from worms ... 585 

Founder, or sore feet 587 

Fracture of a leg ... 591 

Hog cholera and swine plague 574 



Hog cholera, measures of preven 

tion 577 

notes on 576 

Indigestion, acute 5S1 

chronic 582 

Inflammation of the lungs 578 

milk glands. 593 

womb 595 

Instruments 645 

Leg, fracture of a 591 

Lice 586 

Mange or scab 586 

Medicine, wa^s of giving 573 

Medicines, list of 653 

Milk glands, inflammation of the. 593 

Paralysis 589 

Prescriptions 670 

Pig, how to ring 597 

Pig-bed turned out 594 

Pigging — farrowing 591 

Pneumonia 578 

Quinsy 579 



8o4 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



Rectum, turning out of the 584 

Rheumatism 590 

Ringing pigs 597 

Scab 586 

Snuffles 581 

Sore feet 587 

throat 579 

Staggers 580 

Stunted, or chronic indigestion.... 582 
Swine plague 574 



Teeth, black, in young pigs 590 

Thumps 596 

Tonsils, inflammation of the 579 

Ways of giving medicine to swine 573 

Womb, eversion of the 594 

inflammation of the 595 

Worms 585 

fits from 585 

Wounds II 587 



POULTRY 



Apoplexy 59^ 

Apparatus 647 

Black head 608 

Bronchitis 599 

Canker -. 605 

Catarrh, or cold 598 

contagious 599 

Cholera, chicken 602 

Coops 617 

Congestion of the brain 598 

Crop bound 604 

Croup (see "Bronchitis") 599 

Diarrhea 601 

Diet, articles of poultry 625 

Diphtheria 601 

Drinking fountains 618 

Feed troughs 618 

Gapes 603 

Inflammation of the intestine and 

liver, contagious 608 

Inflammation of the egg passage.. 606 

Instruments 645 

Leg weakness 608 

Ivice 606 

Medicines, list of 653 

Pip 603 

Poultry coops 625 

diet 617 



Poultry house, a ten dollar 621 

houses 610 

colonies 621 

drinking fountains 618 

feed troughs 618 

fittings 614 

floor 615 

nests 614 

roosts 614 

good plans 615 

inexpensive struc- 
tures 613 

preferable condi- 
tions 611 

space allowed 616 

unused buildings... 612 

ventilation 617 

pointers 624 

Prescriptions 670 

Ranging of fowls 619 

Rheumatism 605 

Roup 599 

Scaly legs 608 

Spider, hen (see "Lice'') 606 

Tape worms (see "Worms") 607 

Turkeys, black head in, see 608 

Vertigo 598 

Weakness, leg 608 

Worms 607 



INDEX 



805 



THE DOG 



Abscesses and tumors 641 

Antidotes, poisons and 643 

Apparatus 647 

Bowels, inflammation of the 634 

Breeding and littering 642 

Chorea .'. 638 

Colds 631 

Constipation 633 

Coughs 631 

Deafness 638 

Diarrhea 633 

Diseases, lung 631 

Distemper 630 

Ear, canker of the 637 

Exercise and grooming 629 

Eyes, sore 637 

Fits 632 

Fleas 636 

Food for grown dogs 628 

Food for puppies 627 

Fractures and wounds 641 

Goitre, or swelled neck 633 

Gonorrhea 643 

Hydrophobia — rabies 640 



Instruments 645 

Kennels, hints about 629 

Lice 



637 

Littering, breeding and 642 

Lung diseases 631 

Mange 635 

Medicines, list of 653 

Neck, swelled 633 

Paralysis 639 

Parturition (see "Littering") 642 

Poisons and antidotes 643 

Prescriptions 670 

Rheumatism 638 

Ringworm 636 

Round worms (see "Worms") 634 

Sore ejes 637 

Surfeit 64 1 

Tails, how to cut puppies' 643 

Tapeworms (see "Worms") 634 

Tumors 641 

Worms 634 

Wounds 641 



MISCELLANEOUS DEPARTMENT 



Apparatus 647 

drenching bottle 647 

hobbles 64 7 

probang 648 

slings 647 

sponges 648 

spring-ring "bull dog" 648 

twist, a 648 

Blister, cantharides, or fly 671 

combination 671 

red mercurial 671 

Colic mixture (2) 673 



Condition powders, general 674 

Corrosive sublimate solution 

(1000 to i) 672 

Cough mixture (2) 673 

for cattle 674 

Fluid extracts 654 

Hoof ointment 674 

Instrument outfit, a cheap and 

practical 646 

Instruments 645 

bistoury 645 

catheter 645 



So6 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



firing-iron 645 

forceps 645 

needles 645 

probang 645 

probe 645 

scalpel 645 

scissors 645 

seton needle 646 

shoeing, or frog knife 646 

syringes 646 

trocar 646 

repeller 646 

Liniment, acid 671 

white 670 

modified 670 

Lotion, carbolic 672 

creolin 672 

eye (2) 672, 673 

soothing 670 

white 670 

modified 670 



Medicines, action and dose 653 

alphabetic list of.... 655-669 
some forms of 654 

Oil, carbolated 671 

Ointment, benzoated oxide of zinc 672 

hoof 674 

iodine 672 

Physic drench for cattle.. 674 

or ball for horses.. 674 

Powder, drying and healing 671 

Powders 654 

Prescriptions 670 

Table of apothecaries' weight 655 

liquid measure 655 
comparative weight and 

measure .. 655 

proportionate dose for 

allanimals 653 

Tinctures 654 

Weights and measures 654 



PRACTICAL RECIPES FROM FARMERS 



REMEDIES FOR HORSES 

Black oil for man and beast, Frost's 688 

Bloating 675 

Blood purifier 675 

Bog spavin 676, 698 

Bots 676 

Bowels, inflammation of the 676 

Bruises 691, 692, 696, 703 

on breast 677 

Bunches 695, 698 

Castration, bleeding from 677 

Catarrh in head 677 

Colic (17) 677, 678, 679, 680 

cramp 680 

spasmodic (3) 680, 681 

Colic, wind or flatulent 681 

Collar galls 681 

scald under 681 

Condition powders (3) 681, 682 

Condition, to 681 



Cough 682 

Cracked heels 683 

Curb 698, 700 

Cuts (8) 683, 703, 704 

Diarrhea in young foals 684 

Distemper or strangles (6) 684, 685 

Eyes, inflammation of the (2) 686 

Farcy (2) 686 

Fistula 686, 700 

Founder (5) 687, 688 

Galls 688 

collar 681 

Grease heel (3) 689, 696 

leg 689 

ointment for , 690 

Heaves (3) .- 677, 690 

Hoof bound 690 

ointment (2) 691 

Horses, to keep in health 675 

Indigestion, acute (2) 691 



INDEX 



807 



Lice 691 

Liniment for ring bone, bunches, 

stiflE joints, etc 695 

sprains, bruises, etc. 

(7) 691,692, 693 

Lock-jaw 693 

Lungs , congestion of the 693 

Lumps on shoulders 697 

Mange (2) 694 

Nail pricks and wounds (3) 694 

Old sores 6S3, 697 

Open joint 683 

Over eating wheat or other grain.. 695 

Poll-evil 686 

Pneumonia or lung fever 695 

Ring bone (3) 695, 698 

Salve 703 

for cuts 683 

Scratches (6) 695, 6g6 

Shoulders, lumps on 697 

sore 697 

swelling of 697 

Sores, fistulous 697 

old 683, 697 

on neck, back, shoulders... 698 

Spavin (6), 698, 699 

Splints 698, 700 

Sprain 691, 692, 700 

Stiff joints 695 

Sweeny (6) 698, 700, 701 

Thoroughpin 676, 701 

Throat, swelling in 702 

Thrush (3) 701 

Urine, retention of the (3) 702 

Warts (2) 703 

Wind galls 698 

Wire cuts (4) 703 

Worms (3) 704 

Wounds (5) 683, 696, 703, 704 

REMEDIES FOR CATTLE 

Abortion, to prevent 705 

After-birth, to remove (2) 706 

Black leg, to prevent (3) 706, 707 

Bleating (10) 707, 708, 709 

Caked udder (3; 709 



Cattle, suggestion for care 705 

to keep in health 705 

Choking (6) 709, 710 

Colic (3) 710, 711 

Cornstalk sickness (3) 711, 712 

Diarrhea, see "Scours" 718, 719 

Eyes, sore 712 

Feet, sore(2) 712 

Foot evil (3) 713 

foul 713 

Garget 713 

Horn distemper 713 

hollow (2) 713 

Horns on calves, to kill 714 

Indigestion (2) 714 

Information, miscellaneous 705 

Lice (4).. 714 

Lump jaw (4) 715, 716 

Milk fever (5) 716, 717, 718 

Powder, cow 705 

Ring- worm 718 

Scours (5) 718, 719 

REMEDIES FOR SHEEP 

Appetite, loss of 720, 722 

Bloating 720 

Cholera, lamb 720 

Colic or stretches (2) 721 

Constipation in lambs, to prevent.. 721 

Fluke worm 721, 724 

Foot rot (2) 721, 722 

Founder 722 

Gad fl}', to keep away 722 

Grub in the head (2) 722 

Mouth, sore 722 

Piles 723 

Pneumonia 723 

Powders for appetite 720 

Rot 723 

Scab 723 

Sheep, to keep healthy 720 

in condition 720 

Staggers 723 

Ticks (2) 724 

Womb, Eversion of the 724 

Worms (4) 724 

in lambs (3; 725 



8o8 



THE PRACTICAL STOCK DOCTOR 



REMEDIES FOR SWINE 

Blind staggers 728 

Cholera (10) 729, 730, 731 

Constipation 731 

Cough 731 

Hogs, to keep in condition (5I 

725, 726, 727 

Lameness (3) 73^ 

Ivice 731. 732 

Pigs, troubles with sucking 727 

Pneumonia 73^ 

Rheumatism 732 

Scours in pigs (2) 732 



Shotes in poor condition 727 

Swine, to keep in health (2) 727 

Weak back 728 

Worms 732, 733 

REMEDIES FOR CHICKENS 

Chickens, care of 733 

Cholera (8) 733, 734 

Gapes (2) 734 

Lice (3) 734 

Parasitic bowel disease 735 

Roup (2) 735 

Scaly legs {2) 735 



SUGAR BEET; FERTILIZING; SPRAYING 



Sugar beet, the 73^ 

contract for growing 742 

cultivation and weeds 740 

fertilizers for 742 

influence of previous crops.. . 738 

labor 742 

pulling 741 

quality, high 744 

seeds and varieties 73^ 

soil for 736 

soil preparation 737 

sowing the seed 738 

thinning 739 

tools 743 

Fertilizers 745 

analysis, chemical, as a guide 756 

buying 753 

elements needed in plant 

growth 745 

for fruit crops 755 

tor vegetable and root crops 755 

inorganic 747 

kind of plant as a guide 755 

manures, green 753 

manures, stable 75° 

nitrogen compounds 749 

nitrogen, other sources of... 751 

organic 75° 

phosphoric acid compounds 748 



phosphoric acid, organic 

sources of 752 

plant food, replenishing 747 

potash compounds 74S 

previous crops as a guide 754 

soil asa guide 754 

use of 754 

Spraying 757 

bacteria i , 759 

fungi 758 

fungicides 762 

Bordeaux mixture 762 

copper sulphate solution 763 

potassium sulphate 763 

insecticides 759 

hellebore 760 

insect powder, buhach, 

pyrethrum 762 

kerosene emulsion 760 

lime, salt, sulphur 761 

Paris green 759 

tobacco 761 

whale oil soap 761 

white arsenic 760 

insects 758 

spraying calendar 764-765 

hints on 766 

outfits 767 



Dictionary of Technical and Other Terms in Common Use, . 768 



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